Grêmio target creative midfielder as Gabriel Mec future remains unresolved | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Grêmio are pursuing reinforcements for at least three positions, with a creative midfielder the priority and the most difficult, most expensive profile.

Talks over Gabriel Mec’s sale should intensify after the World Cup, which aligns with the international window opening on 20 July. Shakhtar Donetsk and Villarreal showed interest earlier this year, and further enquiries have arrived in recent weeks.

The need for a midfielder is heightened by the possibility of Mec departing, yet the investment is not tied solely to that deal. A No 10 has long been an aim for the board and the coaching staff, who took charge in January.

Across the first half of the year, Luís Castro tried Gabriel Mec, Willian, Monsalve and even Edenilson, now at Botafogo, as the third midfielder. Staff judged the youngster the most effective at improving chance creation. There were also attempts to use Braithwaite or Willian alongside Mec.

Willian is unlikely to renew, his contract runs only to December. Extension talks are being prioritised with Carlos Vinicius, Amuzu and Pavon, who share the same situation. Monsalve, sounded out by Estudiantes, could be sold despite second-half cameos in recent friendlies.

The club are under financial strain, with at least one month of wages and image rights overdue, and they promise to settle arrears by next week. After heavy outlay early in the year, mid-year additions are more modest: centre-back Wallace of CRB and striker Matheus Nascimento, formerly of Botafogo and recently with Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States, have been presented. A pre-contract with Mandaca of Juventude is in place and Grêmio are trying to bring him in before January, while they work on right-back Diego Caito from Goiás, seek a left-sided centre-back to replace Viery, and prepare for a possible Wagner Leonardo move amid talks with Vitória.

Source: Globo.com