Arsenal are ready to rival Chelsea in a move to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Athletico Paranaense.
According to the Daily Mail, the London duo have both been watching the player recently.
Arsenal reportedly see Guimaraes as someone who could potentially replace wantaway Granit Xhaka, who is in talks over a move to join Hertha Berlin.
Guimaraes was heavily linked with a move to join Chelsea over the summer, but he opted to remain in Brazil where he has been impressing for Athletico Paranaense.
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Guimaraes has been linked with a move into European football for some time now and he looks like he could be the next big name to make that step from South America.
The report claims that a move into Europe shouldn’t be a problem for Guimaraes as he holds a Spanish passport.
The big gamble for Arsenal or Chelsea, should they make a move for the player, will be how well he can adjust to the demands of the Premier League.
In years gone by, very few players have moved directly from Brazil to the Premier League, where the shift in physicality can often be overwhelming. Ukraine and Portugal have become popular destinations for players who are looking for a stepping stone into European football.
Chelsea know this all too well from their experience with Oscar, who took some time to really show his best form before leaving Stamford Bridge for the Chinese Super League.
Arsenal are in a position where they require immediate improvement and bringing in a player like Guimaraes would have to be viewed as a big risk, but one that could also have huge rewards.
