Arsenal have reportedly sent a club doctor to Brazil to check the status of Everton Soares as a deal to sign the Brazilian striker edges closer.
Fox Sports in Brazil report that a medic has made the trip to do ‘exams’ on the forward, who is expected to make the switch from Gremio to the Gunners.
A £36m deal has been agreed between the two clubs, according to the Sun, with an initial fee of £25m to be boosted by £11m in add-ons.
Gremio had declared an asking price of £36m for the 23-year-old and it appears they have got what they want, although not all at once.
The Brazil international confirmed on Monday that he had an offer for a move, although he did not say that it was from Arsenal.
‘Right now I have an offer on the plate, but I can’t say the name of the club in question,’ Everton said.
‘Just as I cannot promise that I will be here again on Thursday to play against Bahia. We’ll see.’
Gremio’s next match is indeed against Bahia in the Copa do Brasil this week, and with Everton refusing to confirm his place in that match suggests he expects an imminent deal.
Arsenal’s new technical director, Edu, reportedly spoke to Everton’s agent, Gilmar Veloz, last week and worked with the striker in his position as general coordinator of the Brazil national team.
The Gremio forward scored three goals as Brazil won the Copa America this summer on home soil, attracting the attentions of a number of clubs around the world.
Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the Brazilian, but it looks like Arsenal have won the race for his signature.
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