Arsenal eye Bruno Guimaraes transfer as Locatelli alternative

As transfer speculation heats up surrounding who may come in to provide reinforcements in the attacking midfield position, that hasn’t prevented Arsenal from seeking additions elsewhere. Bruno Guimaraes is now back on the radar.

Martin Odegaard this and James Maddison that has stolen the limelight in the No. 10 position, which fans will be reassured is only in the headlines and not in the club’s recruitment strategy.

With four positions left to ideally fill but it more than likely only three will be seen to this window, securing Thomas Partey’s new partner in the middle of the park remains as vital as ever. Granit Xhaka will eventually leave this window and nobody is under any disillusions that his replacement is a tough purchase.

The profile of whoever comes in appears to be less of a mystery than before. Yves Bissouma was the name on everyone’s lips, but links to Manuel Locatelli and Ruben Neves hint towards a different option more of the Xhaka ilk.

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Arsenal eye Bruno Guimaraes transfer from Lyon as Manuel Locatelli alternative with Mikel Arteta seeking midfield reinforcements this window

Three players have walked through the doors already with two backup options at left-back and midfield acquired, while Ben White will move straight into the heart of defence once the official (and inevitable) announcement arrives.

Interestingly throughout this window has been the situation surrounding Ligue 1. The French top-flight has been hit with the same financial concerns that have hit all clubs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with the addition of an absolute mess of the TV right deals of the division.

Without delving too deeply, the clubs are all scrambling for cash.

Lyon are one of them, with their predicament exacerbated by their failure to qualify for the Champions League next season (they can thank William Saliba for that).

But we’re not talking about Houssem Aouar here. That case went from hot potato to frozen chip over the course of 12 months, and Arsenal have set their sights on another of the French side’s assets, Bruno Guimarães.

As per Goal, talks have already opened with both clubs over a potential deal with Arsenal now mulling over making a formal approach for the midfielder.

He is a name who might ring a bell. Prior to his move to Lyon 18 months ago, Bruno was a player heavily linked with a move to Arsenal back when he was at Atletico Paranaense. Edu has kept a close eye on his fellow countryman since his previous days as the technical coordinator of the Brazilian national team, and even six months on from their initial approach another was made by Arsenal in January 2020.

So, what’s the situation and is he a good fit?

Continued…

Lyon Open to Bruno Guimaraes Sale as Arsenal Seek Xhaka Replacement

Lyon want to keep Bruno. They only signed him less than two years ago and he had a superb campaign for them in his first full season. Lyon are also in desperate need of money. Losing €120m for failing to secure Champions League football on top of their already troubling concerns, that couldn’t be clearer.

The fact they’re willing to sell Aouar for less than half of what they asked for 12 months ago says enough.

So far this summer, Bruno has been one of the highlights of the Brazilian national side at the Tokyo Olympics. His excellent performances have followed on from those he produced in the domestic campaign, and with a fee of around £30m felt to be enough to convince Lyon’s hand, the question is: yes or no?

Statistically, Bruno profiles superbly.

His numbers in possession are a nod to the type of midfielder Arteta might want to replace Xhaka. Strong pass completion numbers across all lengths is accompanied by the target of those deliveries. Sitting in the 85th and 93rd percentiles (FBref) for passes into the final third and passes into the penalty area respectively, as well as 85th for progressive passes, demonstrates the positive approach when on the ball.

Beyond being a progressive passer, he carries too: 96th percentile or higher for progressive carries and carries into the final third. This is an all-action midfielder’s profile.

Technically sound, Bruno also averaged 12.27 passes under pressure (97th percentile) and clocks up a 92nd percentile score for through balls, all of which hints at him being more of a No. 8 than anything else.

However, he would fall more into the deep-lying playmaker role, with a healthy sprinkling of box-to-box in between. His all-round game is superb, and outstanding tackling numbers and defensive stats help to express that: Bruno is 98th percentile for tackles in general, which includes all thirds of the pitch and tackles made on dribblers. The latter point Xhaka can’t begin to lay a claim to.

Does this all add up in the Premier League? And does it help make the signing worthwhile?

Continued…

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.