Agent provides update on 'imminent' Arsenal transfer after he's spotted in London

The agent of Arsenal target Ibrahima Bamba has addressed rumours linking the defender with a move to the Emirates, after he was spotted in London.

The Gunners have been busy this transfer window. After originally missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, they wasted no time in signing Brighton winger Leandro Trossard and Polish defender Jakub Kiwior.

And next on the list could be 20-year-old Bamba, who was originally linked with Arsenal last month, with the Premier League leaders said to be closely following the player's progress.

The versatile defender made his senior debut for Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2022 and has since gone on to make 30 appearances for his boyhood club.

Despite operating primarily at centre-back, Bamba is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder - an attractive proposition for Mikel Arteta.

Bamba's agent responds to 'imminent' reports

Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias, via Sport Witness claim that Arsenal are ‘on the front line’ for Bamba’s signature. The report adds that the North London side are closing in on an ‘imminent transfer’ after his agent was spotted in London.

However, Bamba's agent has played down the rumours, insisting he had just arrived from Germany after watching a game.

“It’s true that I was in London, but I am just arriving from Germany, where I was watching Tapsoba’s game. Bamba is not the only player I work with,” Alves told Portuguese outlet O Jogo, via Sport Witness.

“He’s a player profile that is clearly of interest to many clubs, but today he is a Vitória player and is only focused on Monday’s game in Chaves. The market is open, but I’m not going to feed rumours.”

Although, O Jogo claim that Vitoria are keen to cash in on the interest in Bamba, with a sale described as "practically certain".

While it is not yet clear what Vitoria's asking price would be for Bamba, it is believed the midfielder has a €30m (£25.8m) release clause in his contract – having signed a new four-year deal at the Primeira Liga club earlier this season.

Arsenal are not alone in their interest, with a number of top European clubs said to be keeping tabs on the player.

Atalanta, Paris Saint-Germain and Villarreal are also said be closely following the midfielder’s progress and have contacted Vitoria Guimaraes over a potential January transfer.

Arsenal have also been linked with Rayo Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda amid reports that Cedric Soares may join Fulham on loan.