Mikel Arteta gives green light in Arsenal transfer search as 

Mikel Arteta gives green light in Arsenal transfer search as 'advanced talks' under way

The Arsenal manager is keen on one of the Gunners' lesser-known transfer targets as he aims to improve the depth of his midfield with Arteta's side gearing up for a title race

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Arsenal are thought to be on the verge of signing Vitoria Guimaraes defensive midfielder Ibrahima Bamba as they reach 'advanced talks' stage with the player's agent.

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Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering his midfield options, especially after Mohamed Elneny's injury seems worse than first feared.

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It is widely believed that the Egypt international is expected to miss the majority of the season and therefore the Gunners have stepped up their efforts to land Bamba's signature.

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Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias have claimed a deal is close to being finalised following Bamba's agent travelling to London earlier this week

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Arsenal will be doing all they can to get the switch sorted before the window shuts at the end of the month

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Arsenal will be doing all they can to get the switch sorted before the window shuts at the end of the month

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"It is true that I was in London but I was just arriving from Germany where I was watching [Edmond] Tapsoba’s game

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