Emirates Stadiums side set to complete first significant deals of the summer this week.
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Arsenal are set to make their first two major signings of the season this week with the imminent arrivals of Bernard and Luis Suarez.
Atletico Miniero ace Bernard, who had been a long time target of rivals Tottenham Hotspur, had thought be be on his way to Portuguese giants Porto this summer. However, last week a Brazilian journalist has said that the attacking midfielder was in London for a medical, though the majority of the British press had ignored it and claimed that the player was only ‘in talks’ with Arsene Wenger’s men.
But French newspaper L’Equipe now reported that a deal is virtually a foregone conclusion and the only thing that might slow down the transfer is the fact that the 20-year-old is owned by third parties.
Bernard has been in impressive form for Atletico Mineiro since breaking into the first team back in 2011 and has gone on to score 21 goals in 97 appearances, helping the side to two state championships along the way.
And furthermore, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could follow the diminutive Brazilian playmaker through the gates of the Emirates after reports around the Merseyside club suggested that the Gunners are prepared to meet Liverpool’s asking price for the Uruguayan and an official bid is expected to be tabled within the next couple of days.
The troubled star had been thought to be eyeing a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid after citing his treatment at the hands of the British tabloids his reason for wanting to move on.
However, he seemingly backtracked on those statements when he learned of Arsenal’s interest, and though he has now sought to rock the boat over a move away from Anfield – he has made his position known to the manager by holding out for a switch to the north London outfit.
It will come as good news to Arsene Wenger who looks set to miss out on a deal for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain this week as he looks set to move to Napoli.
Suarez had joined up with Liverpool on their pre season tour to Australia, but is prepared to fly back to the UK if or when Wenger finally places a concrete offer.
Suarez has been at Liverpool since 2010 and has scored an impressive 51 goals in 96 appearances for the club.