Arsenal Transfer News: Bruno Peres Reportedly Favours Gunners Move, Top Rumours

Torino full-back Bruno Peres is reportedly keen to move to Arsenal this summer, as speculation about a transfer continues to gather pace. 

That’s according to the London Evening Standard, which has stated that Urbano Cairo, the president of the Serie A side, “accepts that Peres will be sold providing they receive the right offer.” Torino are said to have placed a £17 million valuation on the versatile star.

The piece continued, noting that Peres wants to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium “because he would like to play in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.”

Here is a look at why the 26-year-old was rated among the most exciting full-backs in European football in the previous campaign:

It’s rare to see a full-back able to excel on both the right and left flanks, although Peres did so with distinction last term. Primarily, he operated as a right wing-back for Torino, showing brilliant energy, providing deliveries into the box and getting back to assist defensively.

As these numbers from OptaPaolo show, the Brazilian was outstanding at carrying the ball from deep in the Italian top flight last term:

Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal are both capable operators in the right-back and left-back spots, respectively, although quality cover for each is in short supply. To have a player such as Peres, who is so versatile in where he can feature, would therefore be a major boost for manager Arsene Wenger, as he seeks to lead Arsenal to the Premier League title.

Peres would have some adapting to do in England, most notably in terms of his decision-making, physicality and converting from a wing-back to a full-back berth. However, should this deal go through, he possesses enough quality to be a big hit at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal Must Make 'Monster Offer' for Mario Mandzukic

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According to Tuttosport (h/t Sport Witness and James Cambridge of the Daily Express), Juventus are not looking to sell striker Mario Mandzukic this summer despite their capture of Gonzalo Higuain and reported interest from Arsenal.

Indeed, it’s suggested in the piece that the Italian champions would only move the player on if they were to receive a “monster offer.” The Gunners are said to be interested in signing the burly forward, as are rivals Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Everton.

Mandzukic has proved himself to be one of the most effective target men in European football for a long time now. Here is a glimpse at the kind of attributes he could offer:

While the Croatia international provides a focal point, brute strength and an excellent aerial threat, he’s unlikely to get too many starts at Juventus next season. Not only have they secured the capture of Higuain, but in Paulo Dybala the Bianconeri have a young player many expect to take Italy by storm next season.

Mandzukic, as such, may be pushed to the periphery of the team. However, for Arsenal, he wouldn’t be the right kind of forward to bring in. As Rory Smith of the Times noted, he’s not too dissimilar to Olivier Giroud:

What Arsenal need up top is a striker who can stretch defences, press opponents and subsequently create space for their many midfield schemers to operate in. 

Mandzukic is not that man, and at 30 years old, he would only be a short-term option for the club. As such, it’s extremely unlikely the Gunners would cough up the “monster offer” Juventus would want for their third-choice forward.