Filipe Macedo Alves - agent of Ibrahima Bamba - has played down recent links between his client and a move to Arsenal before the end of the January transfer window. It comes as Alves was "spotted" in London in recent days amid rumours surrounding a switch in the coming days.
Bamba has impressed for Portuguese outfit Vitoria Guimarães over the course of the season, becoming a regular across all competitions. At 20-years-old, the Italian is also versatile, able to play as a deep-lying midfielder as well as a centre-back on either side.
The youngster fits the exact profile and philosophy set out by the Gunners as of late, with plenty of focus on finding young talent that can fill various positions. The latest of these has been Poland international Jakub Kiwior, a defender that can play at full-back, centre-back and in midfield.
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"It’s great that Jakub is joining us," Mikel Arteta told the official club website on the defender's arrival. "He’s a young versatile defender who has shown huge potential and qualities with Spezia in Serie A, and also at international level with Poland. Jakub is a player who will give us strength and quality to our defensive unit. We welcome Jakub and his family to Arsenal and look forward to working with him.”
Bamba offers similar qualities at a young age and could be one for the future, though his agent has since played down links surrounding a switch. Discussing a recent trip to London, Alves told O Jogo: "It’s true that I was in London, but I am just arriving from Germany, where I was watching [Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond] Tapsoba’s game. Bamba is not the only player I work with.
“He’s a player profile that is clearly of interest to many clubs, but today he is a Vitoria player and is only focused on Monday’s game in Chaves. The market is open, but I’m not going to feed rumours.”
But while the transfer window remains open, there could still be a chance for the Gunners to land their target in the final few days.
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