The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the stand-out performers in the Brazilian top flight over the last few months and that has earned him a call-up to the Under-23 squad as they prepare for next year’s Olympic Games.
Bitello caught the eye of Arsenal’s scouts and director football Edu held talks over a deal, and while a move did not materialise, the Premier League giants have keep an active watch on him.
Gremio are in no hurry to lose Bitello and rejected offers from the likes of Monaco and Feyenoord, but interest is high. John Textor, the Lyon owner who also has a stake in Crystal Palace, has also expressed an interest.
Now 90min understands that there is interest emerging from Europe and the Middle East, with a number of clubs holding talks with intermediaries. A move to Saudi Arabia looks unlikely at this stage given their window is due to close on Thursday, but Qatar, Russia and Turkey have until the middle of the month and all of those are prime landing spots for South American players.
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Question marks have now been raised over Bitello's future. He missed the weekend’s win over Cuiaba with injury before linking up with Brazil for the first time but, while Gremio coach Renato Portaluppi did confirm the injury, he also dropped a hint that there is doubt over the player's future.
"I've been talking a lot with Bitello. He complained of muscle pain on Wednesday and Thursday. It would be too risky for us to bring him into the game," said Renato.
"I can count on him. I always count. He's an important player, he knows that. I talk to him almost daily. You said that the window has closed, closed for some countries. Not all."
