Arsenal Transfer News: Brazilian Target "Wants To Stay"

By Simon Gallagher / July 15, 2012

Despite persistent reports that he wants to move away from current club Santos, and just as persistent reports that Arsenal would be his destination of choice, it seems that highly-rated Brazilian playmaker Ganso isn't about to leave his current club. At least, that's according to one of the player's team-mates. Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael, who also plays his club football at Santos, has told Globo Esporte that his fellow Brazilian Olympic team-member Ganso has no intention of leaving the club. With the pair currently on Olympic duty together, Rafael has confirmed that his colleague will not leave as long as Santos can offer a better deal:

"I heard it from Ganso's mouth that he hopes to continue at Santos. He doesn't want to leave. It depends on negotiations between the player and the club. He came through the youth ranks and has a big attachment to the club. All his family live in Santos and he wants to stay there."

Ganso has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in a £30m move by the European media, but sources in Brazil seem to have been less convinced about the possibility of a European move for the highly-rated player. Despite that doubt, Ganso has also been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The playmaker has so far made 157 appearances for Santos in all competitions, after joining from Paysandu in 2005 as a 15 year old, and has scored 35 goals for the Sao Paulo club. What do you think Arsenal fans? Would you welcome Ganso to the Emirates? Is £30m too large a price-tag for the 22-year-old? Share your thoughts below.