But it appears Tottenham made an official offer for the youngster a month ago.
Arsenal have not made an official approach for Brazil international Bernard, according to Atletico Mineiro’s general manager Eduardo Maluf,
The Gunners have been widely linked with a move for the 20-year-old playmaker, with French daily L’Equipe claiming on Monday that Bernard was set for a medical in North London on Friday.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger denied the claims but the Frenchman reportedly sent a scout to watch the youngster in action for Atletico in the Copa Libertadores final on Wednesday night.
Maluf, however, has poured cold water on the rumours, insisting that the club have only received one offer for Bernard from an English club other than Arsenal, with Tottenham the most likely candidates.
“It was a English club other than Arsenal, outside the desired value, about €15m or €16m, and our president did not want to sell. This was the only official proposal, a month ago,” Maluf told Portuguese newspaper ABola.
Maluf also dismissed suggestions Portuguese champions Porto were close to signing Bernard.
“We have a good relationship, I am a friend of the vice president of FC Porto for over 10 years and we have not had any interest from Porto officially,” he added.
Maluf did concede that Bernard would be sold for the right price, however.
“If we receive a proposal of €25m Bernard will be sold.”
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