Brazilian starlet Bernard not joining Arsenal as he nears Shakhtar move

Atletico Mineiro forward Bernard appears to have turned down a move to Arsenal in favour of a switch to the Ukraine, as Shakhtar Donetsk have agreed a fee with the Brazilian side. It is understood that a $30 million USD offer has been accepted.

Bernard has long been linked with a move to Arsenal, despite Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger insisting that no offer has been made for the youthful midfielder. Shakhtar Donetsk have been busy looking for new signings having sold Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the summer.


Atletico Mineiro's president confirmed that the club have accepted a bid from the Ukraine: "It’s Shakhtar. They’ve reached the price we want. If he [Bernard] wants to go, he’ll go."


Arsenal are believed to still be focused on a deal to bring Luis Suarez to the Emirates and Arsene Wenger will stop at nothing to wrap up a deal for the Uruguayan before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.