Deal "verbally agreed": Fabrizio Romano provides update on Arsenal target | OneFootball

Arsenal reportedly look set to miss out on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who has verbally agreed to join Atletico Madrid.

The talented Brazilian has caught the eye in Serie A in recent times, and this led to some recent Arsenal transfer rumours emerging.

According to a report from the print edition of Marca (cited and translated by Sport Witness), Arsenal were keen on Ederson as Atletico looked to fight off competition from the Premier League.

Now, however, Fabrizio Romano has reported on X that it looks like Atletico are clearly leading the race for the 26-year-old.

Ederson verbally agrees Atletico Madrid transfer despite Arsenal links

See below for Romano’s post on Ederson, with personal terms agreed for him to move to the Spanish capital, but with an agreement still needed between the two clubs…

“Atletico Madrid have verbally agreed on personal terms with Ederson as Atalanta midfielder is a top target,” Romano said.

“No agreement yet between clubs as talks continue around €35/40m fee but still in negotiations. Ederson, out of contract in June 27.”

Atletico notably signed Ademola Lookman on loan from Atalanta in January and it looks like the two clubs could do business again this summer.

Do Arsenal really need Ederson anyway?

Ederson is a fine player but Arsenal arguably have more pressing issues to think about than midfield.

The Gunners have a world class midfield pairing in the form of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, so it’s not clear how much game time Ederson would have had at the Emirates Stadium anyway.

AFC probably need to focus instead on bringing in either a new striker, a new winger, or a player who can play both roles.