According to the recent reports from England, Vitinha is attracting interest from the Premier League, as Arsenal and Manchester United battle for the Portuguese midfielder’s signature. The Porto star had a terrific 2021/22 season, winning the league and putting in some impressive displays.
Vitinha is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in holding or attacking midfield roles. The 22-year-old spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Wolves, making 22 appearances and earning praise as an exceptional talent after making the move to Molineux.
Vitinha was one of Porto’s most important players in their title-winning campaign, making 40 appearances across all competitions. The midfielder’s performances have continued to attract interest from big Premier League clubs looking to bring him back to England in the summer.
The Portuguese star has also attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid after a breakout year in the Primeira Liga, where he made 30 appearances.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their midfield after struggling to cover the absences of Thomas Partey last season.
Portuguese media reported this week that Mikel Arteta was eyeing a bid for Vitinha, who has a 34 million pound release clause.
But, Porto have rejected a transfer bid for Arsenal target Vitinha, club president Pinto da Costa has confirmed. “There was a concrete offer, of considerable value, for Vitinha that we did not accept,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“And we refered them to the release clause, which is only way to take our player.”
He added that he did not believe the fans would be “worried” by the prospect of selling one of their star players this summer.
Arsenal have already signed Brazilian youngster Marquinhos this summer and are interested in Leeds winger Raphinha plus Marco Asensio of Real Madrid.
Da Costa added that there has not been any contact for Newcastle target Diogo Costa, Mehdi Taremi and Toni Martinez, who is thought to be wanted by clubs in Spain.
Arteta is keen to add to his options this summer due to Arsenal’s return to the Europa League next season.
Earlier this year, the Spaniard said he wanted a squad of 22 top-quality outfield players and three goalkeepers.
The north London side have been linked with a move for Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus but will need to manage their resources after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are credited with an interest as Erik ten Hag eyes a new midfield option. They are vying for Frenkie de Jong’s signature, but the Dutchman could play a different role than what Vitinha occupies. The Porto star is a more central player, happy to occupy the space in the middle, while the Barcelona ace has more attacking instincts.
