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Arsenal are tracking defensive midfielder Ibrahima Bamba who could be available for just £5 million.
The 20-year old, who was born in Italy, but is also eligible to play for the Ivory Coast currently plays for Vitoria Guimāres in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, and made his professional debut earlier this year in a defeat to Benfica.
Despite his lack of experience, Bamba has already been called-up for a training camp by Italy manager Roberto Mancini.
Although he signed a new contract with Vitoria which included a release clause of £21 million, they are cash strapped and would be prepared to let him go for a lot less than that.
The Gunners, who are looking for back-up for Thomas Partey are not the only ones interested in Bamba, though, Valencia, Atalanta and Salernitana are all reported to be monitoring his progress.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.