Arsenal appear to have made a major breakthrough in their bid to land a marquee player this summer.

Reports surfacing in Brazil suggest that the Gunners have 'agreed' a £21.5m deal.

Spurs and Liverpool were also vying for the Atletico Mineiro midfielder's signature but it seems that the Gunners have won the race for him.

This is contrary to recent reports which suggested that Spurs were 'only contenders' for Bernard according to the player's agent.

The Gunners have been lining up numerous midfield targets including Everton's Marouane Fellaini though they are reluctant to meet his current release clause which stands at £23m.

Arsene Wenger has been handed a colossal £70m kitty and should they land him, it would represent a key-note signing.

The Frenchman has only brought Yaya Sanogo on a free this summer, and is keen to strengthen the squad so that he can end an eight-year trophy drought.

A Brazilian reporter intimated it is a done deal, saying: "Atletico Mineiro's Bernard is going to join Arsenal."
The 20-year-old did not feature in any of Mineiro's games last season. 

Source: Express