Arsenal suffer Hulk blow

ARSENAL look set to miss out on yet another transfer target after a body blow from Hulk.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Brazil playmaker Bernard

The Gunners were keen on £22m-rated Brazilian midfielder Bernard from Atletico Mineiro.

But Brazil team-mate Hulk told the 20-year-old to join Porto instead.

Arsene Wenger has so far been unable to add to his squad

Hulk used to play for the Portuguese giants and his advice appears to have left Arsenal empty-handed once again.

Brazil star Hulk used to play for Porto and has recommended the move to countryman Bernard

“Bernard has great interest in going to Porto”

Bernard’s agent Adriano Spadotto

Bernard’s father Delio Duarte said: “We know there is an interest from Arsenal. But there has been nothing official from the club.

“Hulk has convinced Bernard that a move to Porto would be better for him at this stage of his career.”

Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain was heavily linked with Arsenal but ended up joining Italian side Napoli

Bernard’s agent Adriano Spadotto added: “He would prefer to join a middling, but good club in Europe rather than risk joining an elite club like Arsenal and not getting much of a chance to play.

“Bernard has great interest in going to Porto.”

Stevan Jovetic was also said to be a target for Arsene Wenger but signed for Manchester City for £24m

Arsenal have already failed to land Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain when the Argentina striker moved to Napoli instead.

Another target Stevan Jovetic swapped Fiorentina for Manchester City this summer.

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Liverpool's Luis Suarez and have offered over £40m for the controversial Uruguayan

It has been a very frustrating summer for Arsene Wenger and time is rapidly running out to bolster his squad