Brazilian star Bernard explains why Arsenal didn’t sign him

Bernard

Brazilian starlet Bernard has admitted he was highly-sought after in the summer transfer window by north London outfits, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Bernard was named in the Brazil World Squad in his native country. Bernard left Atletico Mineiro for Shakhtar Donetsk in a €25 million deal last year, but admits there was interest from the Premier League and in particular from two clubs.

Bernard insists that Spurs made an offer for the youngster and their rivals, Arsenal, could not cough up the money to prize him away. Bernard, who has 10 caps for Brazil, says he came close to making the move to the Premier League.

He told FourFourTwo: “We had offers from Tottenham, and according to my Atletico president Arsenal were interested too, but didn’t have the money. All of it happened in a moment Europe was facing a serious financial crisis, so there was interest from various teams, but the only one able to pay straight away was Shakhtar.”

The 21-year-old excelled in his home country at Atletico Mineiro, before completing the move to Shakhtar Donetsk. There is speculation surround his future with political unrest in Ukraine.

Bernard created five chances in two appearances in the Europa League this season.