Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Get Bernard Boost as Inter Rumoured to Exit Race

Arsenal have reportedly seen their hopes of signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Bernard lifted after Inter Milan pulled out of the race for his signature.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported the Nerazzurri have left the hunt after deciding his financial demands were too excessive (h/t Calciomercato).

Bernard looks set to leave Ukraine when his contract expires on June 30, and Liverpool are also understood to be tracking the player's situation in what could still prove to be a bargain pick-up this summer, per Calciomercato.

Arsenal swapped Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United in the winter for right-sided Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but blogger Tim Stillman hinted Bernard could be a good fit for the left flank:

The former Atletico Mineiro star could be the latest Shakhtar alumnus to make the move to the Premier League, with the likes of Mkhitaryan, Willian and Fernandinho having all starred for the Miners in the past.

Despite claims of substantial personal demands, Arsenal may deem the South American's requirements manageable considering the absence of any transfer fee will significantly lessen his overall cost.

Bernard, 25, was a part of the Brazil team that made it to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup, at which point his name featured frequently in the transfer headlines.

Fan account Brazil Stats commented on the South American being a better player now than he was back then, despite the fact he's not featuring regularly for the national team:

Adriano Spadoto is a member of Bernard's representation, and he previously told FCInterNews his client would be open to moving to one of Europe's big clubs, Inter in particular (h/t Football Italia):

"Bernard is a player who is ready to play in any European league.

"Combined with his technical quality, he has accumulated five years of experience playing for Shakhtar in world-class competitions.

"Inter? It's always good that there’s interest in him, it's a sign that his work is being recognised. We're deciding Bernard's future and we can’t say anything else."

Arsenal may be onto a bargain in the event they pursue a deal for Bernard, although Liverpool could provide stiff competition after they sold Bernard's compatriot Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in the winter.

That departure left the Reds with a vacancy on the left wing, while Bernard is a similar player to the former Red in that he too can operate through a central No. 10 position.

Inter's economic restraints look to have blocked their path on this occasion, but the heavyweights of the Premier League are still left to duel over a player who's sure to be greatly sought after this summer.