Arsenal are reportedly plotting a late move to hijack Atletico Madrid’s bid to sign Atalanta star Ederson this summer.
The north London side are looking to bring in a new midfielder after the season and have earmarked the Brazilian as a potential target amid his anticipated departure from Serie A.
With just over a year left on his deal, Ederson is expected to call time on his spell in Bergamo this summer, with Atalanta also sensing a final opportunity to sell the midfielder for a reasonable price.
The Italian side are expected to hold out for around £44m – a fee in that region would make Ederson one of Atalanta’s most expensive sales ever.
Arsenal Tipped to Join Ederson Pursuit
Atalanta midfielder Ederson waves to supporters
According to TEAMtalk, Atletico Madrid are currently viewed as front-runners to secure Ederson’s signature, having reportedly agreed a four-year deal with the Brazilian.
The Spanish side are said to be preparing their first official offer for the midfielder, worth around £33m, but this falls short of Atalanta’s £44m valuation, giving other clubs an opportunity.
As a result, Arsenal have been tipped to make a ‘sensational’ move for Ederson, who would be open to a Premier League switch after spending the last four years in Italy.
Ederson joined Atalanta in the summer of 2022 from fellow Serie A side Salernitana and has since made 173 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists.
The 'world-class' Brazilian midfielder helped Atalanta lift the 2023-24 Europa League title and secure back-to-back Champions League qualifications in the last two campaigns.
Atalanta are far from securing their place in the Champions League next season, sitting seventh in Serie A with seven games remaining.
Arsenal to Resume January Plans?
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United against Manchester United in the Premier League
Arsenal looked at signing a new midfielder in January following a serious injury to Mikel Merino and could resume their plans to bolster the middle of the park after the campaign.
The Gunners have been linked with a surprise move for Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali and have not been ruled out of pursuing the Italian once the transfer window reopens.
Mikel Arteta’s side spent over £250m on new signings last summer, welcoming the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.
Despite a strong squad depth, the spending is likely to continue after the season, with the club also registering interest in Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane.
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