Arsenal eye Bruno Guimaraes transfer as Locatelli alternative

At This Price, Bruno Would be a Strong Fit for Arsenal

Call it desperation in wanting a midfielder to arrive sooner rather than later but Bruno is the Xhaka replacement that not only meets what the Swiss brings to the table, but adds more.

This is so crucial. Xhaka can be replaced, his progressive qualities re-injected, yet Arsenal need more dynamism in who they bring in. Bruno seems to possess that. It’s a very exciting link to emerge and it coming from Goal at least gives it credence.

Press resistant, accurate with his distribution at all ranges and fierce as a competitor in all thirds of the pitch, that energy and bite brought into the Arsenal midfield would add a fear factor that it hasn’t had for a few seasons.

As Arsenal seek to shift into a side that plays higher up the pitch and presses more aggressively from the front, they need midfielders who can help sustain that pressure and recycle with pace. Bruno presses on the front foot and fits neatly into a counter-pressing side. Is this side of his game perfect? No. Any player who commits as he does into duels and challenges is never successful all of the time.

No player is every the saviour of a side and as well as Bruno profiles, there are always points to look out for.

Whoever Arsenal bring in to partner Partey has to be able to hit the ground running. Adjusting to a new team, division, language and style is one thing, but Arsenal (Arteta certainly) can’t afford lengthy integration periods when they need results quickly.

Currently away with Brazil in Japan, any settling in period would be extended further depending on how far Gabriel Martinelli’s side get in the competition. Locatelli would have been a magnificent addition, yet the time adjust was an issue that couldn’t be shirked.

These are only early reports. They’re also very believable ones: Edu knows the player well, Arsenal have tried in the past and French sides need to sell this window. There is transfer potential on here and barring the teething issues, Bruno would be most welcome. Throw in Lucas Paqueta, too, while you’re at it.