Arsenal in the race for this 22 year old Brazilian Sensation

Premier League giants Arsenal are lining up a summer move for Atletico Paranaense star Bruno Guimaraes. According to the Brazilian club's president Mario Celso Petraglia himself, the Gunners have been monitoring the 22-year-old midfielder. 

Chelsea are also believed to be interested in the services of the Brazil under-23 international and both London clubs have watched him this season on a number of occasions. 

However, it is the Portuguese powerhouse Benfica who are believed to be the front-runners for the signature of the talented young midfielder which will be a bad news for both the London clubs. 

Responding to the rumours that the Lisbon giants had made a bid, Petraglia told Portuguese outfit O Jogo: ''Yes it's true. Yesterday came the official offer from Benfica to sign Bruno Guimaraes. 

''Let's study Benfica's offer. We will meet the club board to assess this situation." 

This revelation will be a bad news for newly-appointed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who has to work with a tight budget as of now. His hands are tied as he knew when he took the job in the middle of the season that he will not get the funds in January to strengthen his squad. 

Following a pretty busy summer in which Unai Emery brought in six new players, the club has placed restrictions on any more signings in January. 

It is only loan deals that remain a possibility for the Gunners in this situation. However, Petraglia insists an offer from Arsenal is still on the table. 

He said: ''Arsenal are interested, but will only make an offer towards the end of the season." 

The biggest worry for Arteta will not be the midfield though as his defence looks short of both quality and options with Calum Chambers out with an injury for the rest of the season. 

Jerome Boateng, Dayot Upamecano and Nathan Ake have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks but a move for none of them looks realistic right now. 

As per reports, Arteta is also monitoring the situation of out of favour Manchester city defender John Stones. The Englishman has been irregular in the starting XI this season due to injuries and poor form and is yet to be offered a new deal as well.

Featured Image Credits- Taste of Football