Arsenal target Bernard wants to join Porto, says father

Brazil international midfielder Bernard has expressed his desire to join Portuguese football club Porto, the rising star’s father revealed.

The Atletico Mineiro player has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk but the 20-year-old sees Portugal’s top-flight as the ideal platform to develop his career.

“I have spoken to my son and there still hasn’t been any concrete offer,” said Bernard’s father, Delio Duarte on Saturday.

“I only know that he wants to continue his career at a club like Porto. He has a dream of playing there.”

According to Duarte, Bernard has been swayed by Brazil teammate Hulk, who shone at Porto before his $63 million move to Zenit St. Petersburg last September.

“Bernard is a good friend of Hulk and they have talked a lot during their time together in the national team,” Duarte said.

“Hulk has spoken very well of Porto and is convinced that it would be the right move at this stage of Bernard’s career.”