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Arsenal are reportedly interested in Brazilian playmaker Bitello, as Gremio confirm the interest accumulated in their player.

Mikel Arteta and Edu have already surpassed expectations this window, spending over £200m on Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice in the bid to strengthen ahead of next season.

There is plenty of time remaining in the summer window for additional reinforcements to be introduced, with Arteta indicating to Sky Sports that the activity may not be over:

“We will have to see how things develop in the next couple of weeks", he said. "We will be alert, there is still time to do things, there is still time for exits as well obviously. I’m sure things will move.”

Is Bitello joining Arsenal?

Earlier this month, reports from Brazil – relayed by Sport Witness – claimed that Arsenal had scouts in attendance to monitor Gremio midfielder Bitello.

The report added that the Brazilian club would expect an offer of at least €10m (£8.5m) for the 23-year-old.

Yesterday, a report from Brazil that was relayed by Evening Standard echoed that Gremio president has confirmed there to be clubs interested in the playmaker, saying that:

“There are a lot of people watching Bitello, but there is no proposal.”

Who is Bitello?

Born in Formosa do Oeste, the Brazilian has risen to fame at Gremio, where he has since captured the eye of a number of clubs.

The 23-year-old is versatile in his positioning, with the ability to play in deep or attacking midfield, as well as being deployable on the right side.

Described as “press resistant” by football.london writer Aaron Catterson-Reid, the dynamic midfielder could be an exciting prospect in north London, with him proving to be a threat in possession and in the final third.

Such claims are supported by his numbers obtained in Brazil’s Serie A, with his strengths in possession translated through his average of 2.55 progressive carries and 1.35 successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

The numbers accumulated this year also highlight the playmaker's ability in dispatching the ball, averaging an impressive 2.07 key passes and 5.65 progressive passes per 90.

Further praised by Catterson-Reid as having “electric pace”, the 23-year-old is a livewire in Gremio’s midfield, communicated by his crazy average of drawing 3.42 fouls per 90 to show the frustration he causes the opposition.

While signing Bitello could be a strong move in terms of adding to the depth at the Emirates, the move for the "unique" Brazilian, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could also signify a worrying sign for Arsenal gem Emile Smith Rowe, who has found himself moving up and down the pecking order.

The arrival of Jorginho in January reinforced that the Englishman’s place in midfield was not yet established, as well as Arteta opting to play the likes of Fabio Vieira over the 22-year-old.

A player that has his own struggles with injury, Smith Rowe failed to start any games for the Gunners last campaign, despite making an impact in the 2021/22 season in which he scored ten Premier League goals in 33 appearances.

Introducing another attacking midfielder to the fold could add a further obstacle to the Londoners' path to making his way back into the starting XI, being a potentially negative move for the England U23 international.

Arsenal do however require depth this summer, with Champions League football in place for the campaign, quality in numbers is essential.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Rayan Cherki, as the French side faces a financial battle this summer.

The Ligue 1 outfit’s woes could come as an advantage for Eddie Howe, who is on the prowl for sufficient reinforcements ahead of the highly anticipated 2023/24 campaign.

Could Newcastle United sign Rayan Cherki?

As mentioned by Foot Mercato earlier this week, Lyon may be backed into a position to offload some talent this summer, with Cherki named as a potential suitor for Newcastle.

The Frenchman is rumoured to be valued by his club at €50m (£43m), with a separate report last month also linking the Magpies to the 19-year-old.

With Lyon scrambling for funds ahead of the new season, now could be the perfect time for Howe to poach the teen sensation.

How good is Rayan Cherki?

Named among a “crazy” group of U21 France international by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Cherki could be a statement signing for Newcastle, after expressing his talents in Ligue 1 last term.

Rising through the ranks at Lyon, the teenager has cemented himself as one of the club’s leading talents, making 34 appearances in the league last campaign.

Contributing four goals and six assists from central midfield, the Lyon-born gem has found himself likened to both Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior for his exploits over the past year, as per statistics from FBref.

FBref numbers reveal that the midfielder ranked in the top 1% of those in his position out of Europe’s top five leagues, averaging 3.80 successful take-ons per 90, as well as being present in the top 2% for his 6.39 progressive carries per 90.

Such figures highlight that the teenager is on the path to becoming one of the star talents in the continent, and a player that could excel in Newcastle’s midfield.

Deployed primarily as a central attacking midfielder, the Frenchman is versatile in his approach to play, featuring in both flanks as well for his current side.

Such flair and progression in his playing style suggest that he could be a perfect fit to play alongside St James’ hero, Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian – who has been dubbed "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn – has shone for the Magpies over the last 18 months or so, after moving to the North East in January 2022 from Lyon.

The 25-year-old is a player that Cherki is very familiar with, given the two were teammates in France before Guimaraes opted to challenge himself in England, where the teenager could follow in his footsteps.

If paired together under Howe, the duo could become a frightening combination, the Brazilian acting as the protector in the middle of the park, as highlighted by his average of 2.58 tackles per 90.

Having an enforcer behind him as tactically aware as Bruno could give Cherki freedom to exploit his talents in the final third, with the two both possessing innate passing strengths.

Lauded as a “difference-maker” by Kulig, the teenager flexed his ability to cause danger in the box with his average of 3.17 key passes per 90, as well as receiving a monstrous 12.50 progressive passes per 90, to showcase his strength in positioning.

The movement of the Frenchman could come as a delight to Guimaraes, who averaged a mammoth 7.33 progressive passes per 90 last term in the Premier League, giving a bolstered outlet to Cherki’s advanced playing style.

Howe could mix a dangerous concoction to unleash on the league next term, however the Magpies must act fast to grasp the teen prospect.

Liverpool have already spoken to Real Madrid about the possibility of signing Federico Valverde this summer, according to a report from 90Min.

How much did Federico Valverde cost Real Madrid?

The midfielder hardly cost the La Liga giants a penny when he initially moved to the club, with the Spanish side opting to agree a deal for him when he was just a youngster. In fact, because of his age at the time, Real only had to stump up around 5 million Euros (or £4.2m). It's a steal for the Uruguay star, who is now one of their regular starters in the centre of the field.

Since being entrusted to make his league debut for Real as a 20-year-old, he has gone on to establish himself as a crucial member of their first-team. In 2022/23, he featured 34 times in total in the league, with 29 starts. Despite playing in the centre of the field too, he managed to pop up with seven goals and four assists – his best ever total. He ended the campaign with 11 goal contributions in 27.8 lots of 90 minutes, leaving him with an impressive rate of 0.40 goals or assists per 90.

He's already become a reliable face for Madrid, who have utilised him on 138 occasions in La Liga over the course of his time at the Bernabeu so far. That's despite the fact he is still only 24-years-old – and he is also seen as a crucial member of the Uruguay side too. For the South American outfit, he has already accumulated 49 caps and bagged five goals and there appear to be plenty more in his future if he carries on the way he is.

Are Liverpool signing Federico Valverde?

With the midfielder at the top of his game right now, he is understandably drawing interest from across Europe. Liverpool have been eager to bring in Valverde, with the Premier League side seen as one of the frontrunners to bring him to England this summer. However, Chelsea have also expressed an interest in snapping up the Uruguayan, with Mauricio Pochettino seen as a big fan of the Real Madrid star.

However, according to a report from 90Min, any side wanting to add him to their ranks this transfer window may struggle to do so. That's because Real aren't too fond of the idea of selling on Valverde and want to try and keep him at the club, telling any interested sides that he isn't available on a deal. It adds that the Reds have already asked Madrid about a potential transfer but were rebuffed by the Spanish club.

It's no surprise, as he is viewed as a real talent. He's already received high praise from those who have worked with him in Spain. Carlo Ancelotti stated that Valverde is "untouchable" recently, amid all of this current interest in his service.

It suggests that he is regarded as one of their best and most important players currently – and it is therefore no surprise to see that they are not keen to sell him. Liverpool seem to have an interest in bringing him to Anfield this summer, but it does appear as though they may struggle to prise the midfielder away from the Bernabeu.

Arsenal are now considering a surprise move for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, according to a recent report from Football Transfers.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal are still running the rule over a number of options to challenge for Bukayo Saka's spot at right-wing, with Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze being "monitored", amid "fierce competition" for his signature from Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Another attacking option for the Gunners is Fenerbahce's Arda Guler, having recently leapfrogged Newcastle in the race for his signature, with Dean Jones claiming that Mikel Arteta has "two more" signings up his sleeve this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, one of the club's more outlandish targets is Mbappe, with Arsenal, and by extension sporting director Edu Gaspar, currently weighing up whether to send a package to the representatives of the PSG forward ahead of what has been labelled a sensational 2024 move.

The Frenchman's contract is due to expire at the end of next season, so this summer may be the last chance PSG have to receive a transfer fee for their prized asset, who has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

At this stage, it is thought the La Liga side are leading the race for the 24-year-old, and they could make an offer this summer, should his current club reduce their asking price, but at the moment they are holding firm.

Arsenal are aware they are currently second-choice to Real Madrid, and they will have to hope the Spanish club fail in their pursuit of the attacker.

How much does Kylian Mbappe earn?

The France international is currently tied down to a huge £1.2m-per-week contract at PSG, so the Gunners will be well aware they must be willing to spend big if they are to secure his signature this summer

In truth, it does not seem very likely the Gunners will be able to compete for his signature, as while they do have Champions League football on offer next season, the PSG star will probably want to move to a side with a more recent history of winning major trophies.

However, if the former AS Monaco man is attracted by the prospect of being a part of the project at the Emirates Stadium, there is every indication he could be a fantastic signing, who could help take Arsenal to the next level.

Hailed as a "generational talent" by members of the media, Mbappe has recorded a remarkable 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 appearances for PSG, proving himself as one of the world's best players.

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has dismissed the perception that he has a poor relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.

How much did Arsenal pay for Nicolas Pepe?

Back in August 2019, the player completed a move to the Gunners, arriving from Ligue 1 outfit Lille for a club-record transfer fee of £72m.

It's safe to say Pepe never managed to live up to his hefty price tag, and while still delivering a respectable 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 games, you got the sense that Arteta struggled to truly trust the winger as he much preferred to put his faith in an emerging Bukayo Saka.

Adding to this was the fact that he was allowed to leave on loan to Nice for the entirety of last season where he scored just six goals in Ligue 1 and claimed one assist too.

With all that in mind, some may assume that Arteta didn't have much confidence in the 28-year-old winger, but when speaking exclusively with Colinterview (via Get Football News France), Pepe has since revealed the truth.

What did Pepe say about Arteta?

He explained: “People say that he identified me as a player that wasn’t up to the level in his team, in his philosophy. It’s completely false."

Before continuing: "When he spoke to me, he said he counted on me, he wanted me to do this or that, and you have to focus on that. He improved me in every way. He spoke to me the whole time, I watched videos with his assistants all the time. He really believed in me. He said I had incredible potential, so we need to extract that potential."

However, it appears that the relationship became a bit strained during the second campaign.

“At the end of the first season, he spoke with me and told me to do this or that," Pepe began. "The second season comes along, I was a substitute. I was going mad. How could I be a substitute when he said he counted on me? Everything is spinning in your head. I was a substitute for [what felt like] 10 matches. It was at the time when they signed Willian. He is a number 10 or a winger. But he plays on the wing for like 11 or 12 matches in a row. My head turned, knowing that I had spoken with the coach and it wasn’t like that.”

“But that improved in the sense that he gave me a chance, I scored against Sheffield United at the Emirates. The confidence started to come back. I started to speak better, but it was a bit cold. I started to speak to agents, but we didn’t see each other like before. But it improved.

He concluded: "It’s not true that he labelled me. Not true at all. He helped me in every way, on a tactical level, in terms of game intelligence because his philosophy requires a lot of intelligence.

"He knew my style of play wasn’t waiting in possession, it was cutting inside, it wasn’t waiting out on the right. Before, I was a bit freer. I had to wait in my zone, and I wasn’t like that before. These are parts of my game that he tried to improve. He always wanted to help me with all of that."

Arsenal "remain favourites" to sign West Ham star Declan Rice and will indeed make a third bid despite rival interest, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners appear determined to challenge yet again for a Premier League title next season, after they fell just short of treble-winners Man City last campaign.

Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a big boost for the club, which means manager Mikel Arteta has more attacking variety at his disposal.

Meanwhile, it is believed that they could also be closing in on a move to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, despite having a bid rejected, with reporter Chris Wheatley claiming they are on the verge of an agreement.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia is also a target for Arteta, with talks "progressing" and a hand-shake on personal terms apparently close with the 19-year-old.

However, one top target who has eluded them thus far is Rice, with West Ham already rejected two bids for him from Arsenal recently.

One of them was a club record, but despite the snubs, it is also believed that the Gunners are "serious" about signing him and will keep pushing.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, reliable journalist Romano has some good news on Rice amid Man City's real interest.

Other sources claim Man City are plotting a bid for the 24-year-old, which comes as a slight worry given their obvious pull, though Romano believes they "remain favourites".

He says this "for sure", while detailing that Arsenal are preparing a third bid for Rice and seem determined to seal his signing for Arteta.

Why do Arsenal want Declan Rice?

The England international was a star under David Moyes last season with WhoScored detailing that he stood out as their best-performer by average match rating over 22/23.

He also made more interceptions per 90 than any other Hammer in the top flight, prompting some real praise from ex-professionals, including former England defender Matthew Upson.

"He has worked really hard at his game, physically and technically," said Upson.

He can handle responsibility amazingly well, which is why he was such a young captain in the Premier League."

Manchester United signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer would be a surprise as he would be a 'big name contender' to challenge David De Gea between the sticks, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Diogo Costa?

According to A Bola via METRO, Manchester United are interested in signing Costa from Porto this summer and he has emerged as a priority target for Erik Ten Hag.

The report states that the Red Devils are reluctant to activate his £64 million release clause and are trying to get his current employers to lower the price of the £24k-a-week ace.

As per The Guardian, they also detail that Manchester United are known admirers of Costa; however, Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keen on the Portugal international this off-season.

David De Gea's future at Old Trafford is uncertain and he may well depart the club following a distinguished period of service stretching back to 2012, as per 90min.

Contractually, De Gea will be free to leave Manchester United at the end of the month when his deal at the Red Devils expires; however, Ten Hag does have an option to extend his terms at the Premier League giants by a further 12 months.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has indicated that he would be surprised if Costa was brought to Old Trafford this summer.

Jones told FFC: "To be honest, I would just be surprised generally if they brought in a big-name contender for De Gea. It doesn't really add up with what their intentions should be in this transfer window. They either replace David De Gea or they focus the main bulk of their money on other positions."

Would Diogo Costa be a good signing for Manchester United?

Costa is a very accomplished goalkeeper who is highly regarded among his peers due to his safe handling and his composure and distribution on the ball.

In 2022/23, the 23-year-old made 40 appearances in all competitions for Porto, recording 20 clean sheets in total, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Costa has also managed to produce a save percentage rate of 77.2% in the Primeira Liga, demonstrating his reliability between the sticks.

Former Brazil international Helton was full of praise for Costa last year in an interview with Noticias ao Minuto, stating: “He [Costa] has the possibility of being the best goalkeeper in the world. I knew his qualities, and this is not a surprise to me. He took over at FC Porto and the national team as well, and this, even if there is Rui Patrício, an excellent goalkeeper.”

It is easy to see why Costa would warrant such high appraisal and he could well be a long-term replacement for De Gea if the latter chooses to depart Old Trafford.

Fulham have made a new contract offer to Brazilian winger Willian in an attempt to ward off interest from Saudi Arabia and Europe, according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Who could join and leave Fulham this summer?

The Whites, after a successful first Premier League campaign back in the top flight, are thoroughly planning for the 2023/2024 season and have earmarked transfer targets.

As per recent reports, it is believed that Gil Vicente striker Fran Navarro is of interest, alongside Man United duo Fred and Harry Maguire. Central midfield is also of priority, especially as star player Joao Palhinha attracts attention from domestic rivals and big clubs abroad.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a player supporters know well following his 2020/2021 season on loan at Craven Cottage, is apparently being targeted by Marco Silva and co as well.

However, Fulham must also think about the futures of seven players, with a plethora of squad members either returning to their parent clubs from a loan spell or nearing the end of their contracts (Transfermarkt).

Manor Solomon, Cedric Soares, Layvkin Kurzawa, Neeskens Kebano, Anthony Knockaert, Steven Sessegnon and Willian are the players in question, but a report by Kinsella in The Evening Standard claims Fulham have made moves to keep the latter player.

Indeed, Kinsella writes that they have made an offer to the 34-year-old to extend his stay by another year, which possesses the option for a further 12 months.

The deal is worth around £50,000-per-week, but there is no agreement yet, as Willian will bide his time and consider his options amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Europe.

The Brazilian's family, though, enjoy living in London and are settled – which could be a big factor. As mentioned in the report, Silva sees keeping Willian as a "priority".

Who is Willian?

The South American veteran, who has totalled 286 Premier League appearances over a glittering career, also has 70 caps for the Brazil national team (Transfermarkt).

As per WhoScored, he was a key player for Fulham over 2022/2023, standing out as their second-best performer overall behind striker Aleksandar Mitrovic with 10 goals contributions (five goals, five assists).

Speaking after a 5-3 thrilling win over Leicester City in May, Silva was effusive in his praise for Willian, calling him a "top, top class" player.

"Very good goals by Willian," said Silva.

"He is top, top class. It is hard to express in words the way he is playing and what he is doing for us this season.”

Everton are interested in a summer deal to bring Angers SCO midfielder Batista Mendy to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Batista Mendy?

Mendy first arrived at the Raymond Kopa Stadium from FC Nantes on a free transfer back in 2021, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 73 appearances to date. The Frenchman started 35 out of the 38 Ligue 1 games last season and established himself as Alexandre Dujeux’s third best-performing defensive player, but despite his displays, his future is up in the air.

The Kelyxane Sport Agency client will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window will be his club’s final big opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free in 12 months time, and if he was to depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors in the top-flight.

Are Everton signing Mendy?

According to L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), Mendy is being “followed” by Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the midfielder having “emerged as a target” for the trio ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Angers are expected to sell their prized asset in the coming weeks and months and have already placed a €6m (£5m) price tag on his head, a fee that they would be happy to receive in order to “part ways” with him.

The Toffees and Sean Dyche “want to take advantage” of his side’s relegation to see if they could “lower” the demanded sum, but it’s currently “not clear” whether they would be willing to do such a thing.

Should Farhad Moshiri move for Mendy?

Everton will be in need of several new reinforcements over the summer to ensure that they don’t find themselves in danger of relegation again next season, but Mendy is not a player that they should be aiming to bring to Merseyside.

France’s former U19s international was ranked by WhoScored as Angers’ 16th overall worst-performing player last campaign with a match rating of 6.35, not to mention that he was averaging 1.9 fouls per league game which was higher than any other of his fellow teammates.

The 6 foot 3 defensive midfield colossus also lacks any kind of threat going forward having posted zero goals or assists across all competitions during the previous term, so fails to have a positive impact at either end of the pitch, therefore making this a deal that the hierarchy should avoid.

Manchester United target Neymar is seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with prospective new owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani open to a deal.

What's the transfer gossip on Neymar to Manchester United?

Foot Mercato shared an update on United's interest in signing Neymar this summer in the last 48 hours, saying the Red Devils have the advantage when it comes to the attacker. The Brazilian appears to be on his way out of PSG with the Ligue 1 outfit open to getting his incredible €3.6m-a-month (£3m-a-month) salary off the books.

Most recently, the PSG hierarchy has been irritated by Neymar after he missed the final game of the season due to injury before appearing in Monaco to watch the Grand Prix. The Brazilian's trip was seen as a "provocation" and "seals his fate a little more."

Foot Mercato note that PSG tried to sell Neymar last summer and are looking to sell him again this year, with Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea named with an interest.

United, as mentioned, are said to hold the advantage, with the player, who has contacts with the Qatar brand, seduced over a move to Old Trafford and can only see himself playing in Manchester or staying with PSG.

The 31-year-old reportedly wants to continue playing in Europe for the time being after an offer of around €400m (£343m) from a Saudi Pro League side was rejected by the forward.

Is a Man Utd move to sign Neymar wise?

Labelled as "one of the best players on the planet" in the media, Neymar has already won plenty in the club game, nine major honours with PSG in fact, and a move to Manchester United could be an opportunity to grow his personal brand even more.

The Premier League appears to be a popular attraction for the top stars, although it's unclear whether or not Neymar's body is strong enough to cope with the demands of England's top flight. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian missed 15 games after undergoing ankle surgery on a nasty injury sustained against Lille in February.

Potential new owner Jassim is said to be keen on signing Neymar should he complete a takeover at Man United. If he was able to remain fit, Neymar is the type of player that could restore Erik ten Hag's side back to the top with 293 goals and 188 assists in his club career, and by the looks of it, a move may well be one to keep an eye on.