Premier League club Arsenal target Diogo Luis Santo has had an alternative offer from an unnamed Serie A side, making it a two-way race for the 21-year old Brazilian striker.
Diogo, who plays for Brazilian team Portuguesa-SP, has already had two offers for him by the Gunners turned down. Portuguesa director Andre Heleno has also confirmed that the Italians bid was turned down, with it also not meeting the clubs valuation of the player, although it is thought it was not by far.
“So far the best offer has been from an Italian side who I cannot name,” Andre Heleno told the press.
“They have bid around £9million, but we want closer to £11million.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been trying to sign Diogo for the last three months, revealed club President Manuel da Lupa, also confirming the rejection of the two offers made.
Lupa also stated his plan to increase Diogo’s value to gain maximum profit from his star player.
“We want Diogo to play in the Brazilian league until the end of the year, reach the national team, and increase his value,” he said.
Diogo, who plays for Brazilian team Portuguesa-SP, has already had two offers for him by the Gunners turned down. Portuguesa director Andre Heleno has also confirmed that the Italians bid was turned down, with it also not meeting the clubs valuation of the player, although it is thought it was not by far.
“So far the best offer has been from an Italian side who I cannot name,” Andre Heleno told the press.
“They have bid around £9million, but we want closer to £11million.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been trying to sign Diogo for the last three months, revealed club President Manuel da Lupa, also confirming the rejection of the two offers made.
Lupa also stated his plan to increase Diogo’s value to gain maximum profit from his star player.
“We want Diogo to play in the Brazilian league until the end of the year, reach the national team, and increase his value,” he said.
His agent Rodrigo Righetti has admitted that his client would favour a move to the Premiership to join Arsenal.
“Diogo would love to play for Arsenal. But for now, he must wait for an offer that suits both the club and himself,” he said
One stumbling block however could be a British work permit, with it unlikely Diogo would get one for next season, unless he was able to make a successful ‘Special talent’ visa application.
Diogo scored 22 goals in 29 appearances for Portuguesa last season and will line up alongside AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
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