Report: Arsenal considering bid for £26.5m Mancini favourite with PSG also keen

By Lee Connor

Arsenal are still considering making a move for Italian youngster, Ibrahima Bamba, as they prepare to get busy in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are expected to be one of the more active English clubs. Mikel Arteta is set to be backed by the board as they look to build on the superb start to the season. As we know, that start has seen them climb to the top of the Premier League table.

And according to Calciomercato, young midfielder Bamba is a target for both Arsenal and PSG.

Arsenal’s interest is not brand new at this stage. We reported on TBR previously how the Daily Mail had claimed back in November that Bamba was on the radar of Edu and Mikel Arteta. Currently with Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal, 20-year-old Bamba has been a regular this season.

Bamba is thought to be valued by the Portuguese side at around the £26.5m mark. He is thought to be appreciated by Italian coach Roberto Mancini, who has already invited him to full training with the Azzurri.

Arsenal’s priorities going into January had been a midfielder and a winger. However, an injury to Gabriel Jesus could force a rethink, with even Cristiano Ronaldo among the players being considered.

TBR’s View: Bamba one for the future for Arsenal

The next few transfers will be tricky for Arsenal. They have to get the balance right between signing someone who can guide them to success now, and the future.

We already know they have a raft of outstanding young players in the ranks. They will only get better as well. Long-term, then, Arsenal seems set.

But in the here and now, signing Bamba might not be the move. Sure, he can be a star of the future. But to ensure they do really challenge City for that title, Arsenal need proven players.