Arsenal tracking £40m Brazilian — one exit could decide the move

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Arsenal are keeping tabs on a 21-year-old Brazil international who has just won his first senior cap — and whether the Gunners push ahead with a move may come down to Martin Zubimendi's future.

According to TEAMtalk, the north London side are keen on Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon, with first contact over a potential deal reportedly made back in January. The midfielder is rated at around £40million.

No formal offer has been tabled, but Arsenal are said to have asked to be kept informed of any developments earlier this year. The report adds that any concrete move is likely to depend on Zubimendi, whose role in Mikel Arteta's plans diminished in the latter stages of last season and whose departure is considered a possibility.

Bidon on his idol: 'A very good and winning mentality'

Bidon earned his first senior Brazil cap this week, lining up alongside Arsenal's summer signing Bruno Guimaraes. Asked about the Gunners links, the midfielder instead turned to praising the man beside him in the Selecao midfield.

"From the current generation, Bruno Guimaraes is someone I follow a lot," Bidon told Gazeta Esportiva. "He had a very good World Cup and managed to stand out. He is someone who has already experienced a lot in football. He started young in Brazil, and he's someone I really look up to."

He added: "From what I've seen while being around him, he has a very good and winning mentality. And on the pitch, I don't even need to say anything. He's been playing really well."

Guimaraes hands penalty duty to Vinicius Junior

Guimaraes was in the spotlight himself after Brazil's 4-2 friendly win over Australia. With the score at 3-2 and Raphinha substituted, the Arsenal man was next in line for an 80th-minute penalty — but stepped aside for Vinicius Junior, who has been short of goals.

"Bruno Guimaraes is our penalty taker when Raphinha isn't playing, and I thought he'd want to take it, but he knows that I need a bit of confidence right now, in this moment," the Real Madrid forward said. "My teammates know I need some confidence now. Losing a World Cup is hard and difficult to accept, and the comeback is never easy."

Guimaraes explained: "After the penalty incident, many things came to light. But here in the national team, we have no vanity whatsoever. In the World Cup, [manager Carlo] Ancelotti told me to take the penalty. Today, he told Vini to take it. Vini really needed to score a goal. He took it very well. We have no vanity whatsoever. We want what's best for Brazil."

Vinicius was himself heavily linked with Arsenal over the summer before committing to a new deal at the Bernabeu.

Arteta's focus on Leeds

Arsenal return to action against Leeds United at the Emirates on October 10, their first chance to respond to a 3-0 defeat at Brighton that ended a run of seven straight wins in all competitions.

With 17 players away on international duty and Kai Havertz already withdrawn from the Germany squad with a minor muscle problem, Arteta's priority between now and then is getting his squad back in one piece.