"Arsenal have..." - Romano drops huge update on Italian star linked with the Gunners

Arsenal have been linked with Italian midfielder Ibrahima Bamba this January, and Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update for Gunners fans.

Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias, via Sport Witness claimed that Arsenal were ‘on the front line’ for Bamba’s signature.

The report added that the North London side are closing in on an ‘imminent transfer’ after his agent, Filipe Macedo Alves, was spotted in London.

However, Alves 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," he added.

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

Romano provides Bamba update

Transfer guru Romano has now provided an update on the situation, informing fans that the league leaders are yet to make a move for the 20-year-old.

Romano tweeted: "Arsenal have not submitted any bid or opened talks to sign Ibrahima Bamba, not even to prepare the deal for next summer.

"Understand Italian talented midfielder is available for €7/8m to leave Vitória Guimarães now — but the race is still open, nothing advanced yet."

Mikel Arteta is said to have been a driving force behind Arsenal being on the verge of completing the signing of Jorginho from Chelsea, with the Gunners boss thought to be a big admirer of the midfielder.

Romano tweeted: "Jorginho has completed medical tests and he’s set to sign the contract as a new Arsenal player until June 2024 with an option until 2024.

"£10m plus £2m fee confirmed."

To keep up with the latest transfer news, check out our deadline day live blog.

Topics: Arsenal, Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League, Primeira Liga

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno