Arsenal are close to completing a transfer for Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Ibrahima Bamba as advanced talks have taken place. The Gunners have stepped up their efforts to acquire Bamba's signature with Mohamed Elneny's serious knee injury unfortunately derailing some team plans for the remainder of the season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering his midfield options, especially after Elneny's injury news, and is deepening his search for lesser-known transfer targets in order to improve team depth. While the transfer window only lasts until the end of the month, Arsenal will be trying their best to sort the deal before then.

Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias claims a deal is almost finalized as the player's agent made a trip to London earlier this week. Guimaraes willingness to sell on the cheap has kept other clubs at bay, but with Arsenal's deep pockets and ambitious mindset, the Gunners may be able to finalize the transfer.

In response to transfer rumors, Bamba's agent Filipe Macedo Alves claimed he was in London for Edmond Tapsoba's game in Germany, not specifically for his client. He noted that the player is currently focused on thecoming game against Chaves, but the market is open for any potential movement.

If the deal does pull through, it would give Arsenal's side, which is preparing for a title race, a much needed boost in midfield. Whether the move occur this month or in the summer, time will tell.