Arsenal could make a loan move for Bernard

Arsenal are reportedly set to make a loan move for Shakhtar Donetsk play-maker Bernard, according to reports in the Mirror.

The Brazilian international was on the verge of a Premier League switch at the start of last season but chose to make a move to join the Ukrainian side instead. However due to the current political unrest in Ukraine the youngster is considering a switch elsewhere amidst growing fears for his safety.

The report suggests Wenger is still on the lookout for attacking reinforcements and could make a move for the youngster after he told his club he would like to move following the current conditions in Ukraine.

It further states that while his club would not allow him to leave in a deal that would prove detrimental to them, they are open to a loan move for an initial season in order to benefit all parties involved. A close source to the player confirmed the news:

But to let him go for free or for pennies won’t work. The club will not allow it.
In such a situation it is better to give the Brazilian a one year loan.
If Bernard is able to establish himself well [at another club] Shaktar will then be in a better position to negotiate a subsequent sale.

The 21 year old has refused to return to training following his World Cup exertions, which a number of the club’s top talents have made due to the instability in the region.

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Style of Play:

Bernard is a talented and skillful player and at the age of 21 he already has 14 caps for Brazil, scoring for the national team on one occasion. He can play on either side of the wing or as a central attacking midfielder, but he specialises on the left wing. He also possesses blistering pace and skill, which makes him a difficult player to keep under wraps.

His small stature allows him low centre of gravity to make him more agile and more able to get into the gaps left in between the midfield and the defence. He is most dangerous with the ball at his feet, while also possessing fantastic acceleration and dynamic dribbling ability. He is a defenders nightmare and is capable of causing havoc in the final third of the pitch.

Should we Buy?

The Gunners are not in any dire need for reinforcements in midfield but could well do with a further attacking addition as he would add a different dimension to their already impressive attacking options. With Theo Walcott yet to return from injury and with Lukas Podolski struggling with fitness throughout last term there is perhaps scope for an additional wide attacker and a short term move does then at least represent less of a risk than forking out a large sum to bring in the player permanently.

The main worry is whether the youngster can cope with the physicality and high demands of the Premier League however. Wasn’t particularly impressed with his performance against Germany in the World Cup, then again the entire Brazil side was hopeless.

Rumour Rater : 2/5

1 – Never going to happen
2 – Unlikely
3 – Could be possible
4 – Likely
5 – Done deal

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