Arsenal have reportedly made a bid to sign Torino’s defender Bruno Peres and the Brazilian defender is very much interested in making a move to North London, according to reports in Evening Standard.
Italian publication Toro News are claiming that Arsene Wenger has made a £13.5m(€16m) offer for the defender as the French manager looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new season.
The report in Evening Standard states that the Gunners hopes of signing Bruno Peres have further risen after Torino decision to sell the Brazilian this summer. Club president Urbano Cairo accepts that Peres will be sold providing they receive the right offer and, at the moment, are looking for £17million.
The Italian media outlet are also reporting that Barcelona, Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City are also interested in the full-back as Torino look to secure a £17m fee for Peres.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has scored 5 goals in 62 appearances in Serie A over the past two seasons following his move to the Turin side from Neymar’s childhood club and Brazilian outfit Santos in 2014.
Another Italian news outlet Gazzetta World earlier claimed that the Gunners scouted Peres during Torino’s pre-season draw against Benfica last Wednesday, and talks have already taken place with the player’s agent.
Peres is reportedly interested in a move to the Emirates, and his ability to play in defense or midfield would provide Arsene Wenger with a handy option on the right flank.
Arsene Wenger is in desperate need of defensive cover after Per Mertesacker was ruled out for up to five months with a knee injury. Debuchy’s departure, however, is likely to force the manager into buying an experienced right-back to provide backup to Bellerin despite the presence of Holding, Calum Chambers, and Carl Jenkinson.
The trio can play on the right side of the defense, but are inexperienced and not regulars with the first-team. Moreover, the latter of the three is yet to return to training after sustaining a knee injury midway through last season. And Peres, who can operate as a full-back on either flank, has emerged as a target for the Frenchman.
The 26-year old full-back, who has a further four years left to run on his current Torino deal is reportedly favoring a move to the Emirates over others due to Arsene Wenger. Preliminary discussions have begun between Bruno Peres and Arsenal, and Peres feels that Wenger would be the right man to mold him into a better player. The defender’s versatility could also prove to be the key factor leading to his Arsenal move.
With just one of the three signings in this summer transfer window being a natural first team player, Wenger has his task cut out to bring in a striker and defender at least in order to win the Premier League title after a long gap of 13 years. Arsenal will host Liverpool in their opening game of the Premier League season on 14 August, Sunday. Come on you Gunners.
