Italian giants Inter Milan has apparently stepped out of the race for Shakhtar Donetsk attacker, according to reports, which is a huge boost for the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Both of the Premier League giants are hugely interested in the services of this Brazilian attacking sensation, who is highly expected to leave Ukraine this summer. Bernard’s current contract with Shakhtar expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be available for a free transfer this summer.
However, Inter Milan, who were earlier deemed as favourites to sign Bernard have pulled out of the race due to the player’s lucrative wage demands, which leaves Liverpool and Arsenal vying for his signature.
Arsenal, in particular, will be in desperate need of a quality attacker, following the departure of Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez.
The former Barcelona winger left for arch-rivals Manchester United, earlier this year, leaving Arsenal reeling for a quality attacker. Despite the addition of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners should definitely splash the cash on the attacking department this summer and that’s where Bernard comes into play.
The Brazilian has been one of the best attackers in the Ukrainian league ever since his big-money move from Atletico Mineiro in 2013. Although Bernard’s overall statistics might not be as stunning as one would expect from a player of his calibre, the 25-year-old has had a much deeper impact in his team’s overall dynamics in the final third.
Standing at just 1.64m, Bernard is definitely one of the shortest players on the field but that being said, his low centre of gravity helps him stay in complete control of the ball even at full speed. What he lacks in physique, he definitely makes up for it with his dynamism and craft in the final third.
The 25-year-old is blessed with impressive ball-carrying abilities, which makes him an important outlet for any team in the world, especially for Arsenal.
Bernard’s style of play can be compared to former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky. He can act as the ball-carrier in midfield, who can not only make the transition from defence to the offence but also help his team in the creative department, thanks to his terrific vision and dynamism in the final third.
A perfect orchestrator in the centre of the pitch, the Brazilian is perfectly suited to Arsenal’s attack-oriented gameplay. Therefore, the Gunners should definitely make a move for this highly talented Brazilian attacker, who might make a big impact at the Emirates next season.
