Brazilian keen on Portuguese switch.
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Arsenal transfer target Bernard wants to join FC Porto this summer, the player’s father has admitted according to Metro.
The 20-year-old Brazilian international is one of the hottest young players in South America after leading Atletico Mineiro to the Copa Libertadores title.
That has led to a host of clubs across Europe vying for his services with Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund also linked to the youngster. But the player’s dad Duarte has now revealed that both Porto and Arsenal have expressed firm interest in the player.
‘Nothing is decided yet, but we know there is an interest from Arsenal,’ Duarte told the Brazilian media.
‘There has been nothing official from them.’
The Gunners reportedly sent scouts to both leg of the Copa Libertadores final against Olimpia and would have been impressed with his performances. Any possible transfer to England depends on the club offloading Gervinho with talks continuing over a deal to take the Ivorian to Roma.
However, Duarte has admitted he would rather his son elects for a reported £25m transfer to Porto rather than Arsenal.
He added: “Porto would be a better move for his career,”
“It would be a dream of mine to see him playing for them.”
And according to his father Bernard has been influenced by former Porto star Hulk who shone with the Portuguese club before his move to Zenit St Petersburg last summer.
“Bernard is a good friend of Hulk and they have talked a lot during their time together in the national team,” Duarte said.
“Hulk has spoken very well of Porto and is convinced that it would be the right move at this stage of Bernard’s career.”