Arsenal are interested in signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson during the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Gunners are likely to pursue a new midfielder this summer. Ederson has been mentioned as a target, and Ornstein has now confirmed the transfer interest.
In a Q&A session on The Athletic, the reputed journalist was asked about whether clubs would prefer to get deals done early or wait until after the summer World Cup.
In response, he highlighted that Ederson is widely expected to leave Atalanta this summer as he is about to enter the final year of his contract with no extension in sight.
His agent is working hard on a transfer, and the Gunners are among his suitors. Interested clubs value him at £35 million, but Atalanta hope to get closer to £44 million.
Ederson would be a fantastic acquisition
The 26-year-old has been one of the best-performing midfielders in Serie A over the last few years. He has been linked with a Premier League move on several occasions.
With his contract expiring next year, Atalanta find themselves in a vulnerable position and may have to sanction his sale this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer.
Hence, the door is open for Ederson’s suitors to land him. Atalanta want £44m, but a deal is more likely to be struck at £35m as he is unlikely to go to the World Cup with Brazil.
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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has seemingly made the choice to go with experienced heads such as Casemiro and Fabinho in the midfield department for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ederson would be a fantastic acquisition for the Gunners. He can comfortably play as a defensive or central midfielder. He has an 89 percent passing accuracy in Serie A.
He has also won five duels and two tackles per outing with almost five recoveries. The Brazilian has a tireless work rate and likes to press opponents high up the pitch. He possesses good ball control.
Arsenal may see him as a replacement for Christian Norgaard, who has failed to convince manager Mikel Arteta to provide regular playing time in the Premier League in his debut campaign.
Martin Zubimendi has had little to no competition for the number six role. Ederson would be a strong competitor and could come in for Norgaard, who is open to leaving the Gunners.