With Arsenal looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, Lazio play-maker Hernanes has reportedly issued a come-and-get-me plea to the Gunners. Despite attracting interest from Russian big-spenders Anzi as well as Spurs, La Gazzeto dello Sport claim that the player has told Lazio only to consider offers from Arsenal. With Arsenal reportedly preparing a £20m offer for the player, talkSPORT turn the transfer spotlight on the Brazilian ace.
Name: Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lima (Hernanes, thankfully, for short)
Date of birth: 29 May 1985
Birthplace: Alianca, Brazil
Position: Midfielder
Club: Lazio
International appearances: 8 appearances for Brazil since 2008
Honours: Brazilian league title with Sao Paulo (x2), Silver Ball (x2), Brazilian Footballer of the Year 2008
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Despite Lazio challenging for a Champions League place this season, the club are looking to cash in on some of their prized assets. With Hernanes having to battle with in-form Stefano Mauri for a place in the team, the Brazilian is keen to gain regular football elsewhere. Spurs have already been linked with the player this month. More significantly, Russian money-spinners Anzhi have reportedly already made a large offer for the player, but Hernanes has told Lazio he wants to go to Arsenal.
DID YOU KNOW?
1) Hernanes is ambidextrous, with the ability to dribble and strike ball from distance with both feet. He is also a set-piece specialist, and has thrived in placing the ball on Miroslav Klose's head at Lazio. Robin Van Persie will be pleased.
2) Once dubbed 'the new Kaka', The Times identified Hernanes as the most promising football player in the world in 2009. This came off the back of over 100 appearances for Sao Paolo, as well as winning the Brazilian football Confederation's best player award in 2008.
3) Since joining Lazio in 2010, Hernanes has had to change his style to adapt to the tough Italian defenders. “I realised that you must use cunning, use your arms, push and pull shirts” he said. The midfielder is unlikely to be fazed by the physicality of the Barclays Premier League.
4) After being voted Brazilian player of the year in 2008, FC Barcelona had an 11 million euro bid for Hernanes rejected by Sao Paulo.
5) Though predominantly a central midfielder, Hernanes can also play as a winger, a role he has occupied for the Brazilian national team.
He says: “We will evaluate what to do in June. I don't know if Lazio have spoken to Italian or English clubs, but all I can say for certain is that we have not received concrete proposals.”
They say: “He still has to prove himself. Sometimes he does good things, but then the light goes out and you don't see him”
Originally Posted by Japan Shaking All Over
No chance Wenger has grown a set and stood up to RVP[/B]Cant see him going to Juve
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