89% passing: Arsenal must now sign 26yo Brazilian star for £39m after Atletico "impasse" - opinion

Arsenal must explore the prospect of signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer following an ‘impasse’ in negotiations with Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners are likely to reinforce their midfield department during the next transfer window, and the focus could be on a versatile addition to the squad.

Ederson has been mentioned as a target in the recent past, and Arsenal have been handed a boost after Atletico hit an ‘impasse’ in negotiations, according to AS.

The 26-year-old recently snubbed Arsenal and Manchester United for Atletico, and it was claimed that personal terms were already agreed with the La Liga side.

However, that does not appear to be the case anymore. There has been a fresh complication, and no clear-cut agreement is in place between Atletico and Ederson.

Atletico have also shown reluctance to meet the £39 million valuation set by Atalanta, considering the midfielder will enter the last year of his contract in July.

Arsenal must capitalise on Atletico’s impasse to land Ederson

The Brazilian ace has been one of the top-performing midfielders in the Italian top-flight. He has had another solid season with Atalanta, with an 89 per cent passing accuracy.

The former Salernitana man has won 4.5 duels per game, alongside two tackles. He has also made 4.4 recoveries on average, losing possession on less than eight times per outing.

Ederson’s ball control and positioning have been his main strengths. He is at the prime of his career at 26 and would be a value-for-money signing at the reported price tag (£39m).

The midfielder is only on £43,000 per week at Atalanta, and personal terms should not prove a hindrance. A £100,000 weekly package could be sufficient to convince him to join.

Ederson can operate as a defensive or central midfielder. He could be seen as a replacement for Christian Norgaard, who could be shown the exit door at the end of the campaign.

Manager Mikel Arteta does not seem to trust the Dane, and he has managed just 59 minutes in the Premier League and has not started in the division since his summer move.

Norgaard is dissatisfied with his situation and could move on. Ederson should be signed as a successor. He would be a better signing to compete with Martin Zubimendi for a starting spot.

Zubimendi has had a notable dip in form during the back end of the ongoing season, but the manager has continued to persist with the Spanish ace in the XI ahead of Norgaard.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Sofascore.com & Capology.com

The post 89% passing: Arsenal must now sign 26yo Brazilian star for £39m after Atletico "impasse" - opinion first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.