Arsenal mean business in this transfer window. If you had to describe the Gunners’ summer in short it has to be this. Mikel Arteta and Edu have once again braced themselves for another busy summer. Only this time they have splashed the cash as well. After the confirmation of Kai Havertz‘s transfer, Arteta’s Arsenal are also closing in on their most expensive signing ever in Declan Rice and Dutch defender Jurrien Timber.
While all those players are big names in world football and need no introduction, Edu might have discovered another hidden gem back in his native country Brazil.
Joao Paulo de Souza Mares, who is also popularly known as Bitello back in Brazil, is the latest name linked at the Emirates. Bitello is a versatile midfielder who plays for Gremio. Very little is known about the player outside of South America, which makes this potential transfer all the more interesting.
So how good is the Brazilian and will he fit seamlessly in Arteta’s Arsenal squad? A detailed scout report on why Edu wants to bring the underrated player to London.
Bitello – Scouting Report
Bitello is a 23-year-old versatile midfielder who primarily likes to operate in the middle of the park. A box-to-box midfielder, Arteta will certainly benefit from someone of his qualities.
The Gunners had sent scouts to Brazil to watch the midfielder in action where Gremio played Botafogo. Gremio lost the game 2-0 but Bitello impressed with his unique skillset and calmness with the ball.
The action-packed Brazilian joined Gremio back in January 2022 and has made 33 appearances so far this season in all competitions – scoring seven goals and four assists in the process. Arteta is looking to bolster his midfield this summer after Granit Xhaka’s exit. Even though the Emirates based outfit have signed Kai Havertz and are on the verge of signing Rice, participating in the Champions League this season means they need squad depth, and urgently.
Bitello will prove to be a cost-effective signing and will also be happy with a squad rotation role at Arsenal. This makes him an ideal option given how good he is. His contract with Gremio last until the summer of 2025 and the Brazilian club value him at $10m.
Edu might have to act quickly though, with other clubs also keen on his signature. Monaco are among the various suitors and Arsenal’s sporting director will feel confident of pulling this off, after completing similar deals with compatriots Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli.
His performances this season are the reason why he has caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. His average of six progressive passes and five shot-creating actions per game over the last year define his brilliant technique on the ball. A key player for Gremio having won Three consecutive Campeonato Gaucho titles, it won’t be long until a big club comes calling for the Brazilian.
His versatility is his biggest asset. Primarily a central midfielder, Bitello can also play as an attacking and defensive midfielder and is also comfortable on the right-wing, which makes him the perfect fit for someone of Mikel Arteta’s tactics.
Bitello’s strongest trait though has to be his determination and shots from a distance. The way he lines up his long shots is reminiscent of the likes of Roberto Carlos, albeit from his stronger right foot.
The Brazilian midfielder still needs to work on his aerial game if he wants to perform well in the English top-flight. Aerial duels aren’t particularly his strongest suit and with the Premier League as physically demanding as it gets, Arteta will have to work with Bitello on this one.
An impressive fact about the midfielder is his injury record. He has been rarely on the treatment table during his professional career and Arsenal and Arteta will make sure to fully use this to their strengths.
Where does the Brazilian fit at Arsenal?
It’s still early days to suggest exactly where Bitello fits in this Arsenal squad, even before his transfer is confirmed.
It is safe to say that Bitello’s transfer to Arsenal does not hinge on someone leaving the Emirates for someone like Thomas Partey. If the links are to be believed, it shouldn’t take long for Gunners to land their man.
The versatile midfielder will be no more than a squad player and will fill in for injured players. That is where his extreme versatility comes in. Last season, Arsenal’s title chase collapsed due to injuries across the squad and Arteta has been quick to address this with needed reinforcements.
If Bitello does end up at the Emirates, expect him to do the job for Mikel Arteta, while Edu sips another one of his coffees thinking he has pulled off another brilliant coup from Brazil.
WATCH: Bitello – Scouting Video
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