Arsenal and Tottenham Set to Battle for Shakhtar Donetsk Striker Bernard

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are on alert as it was revealed that Shakhtar Donetsk are willing to sanction a loan deal for striker Bernard.

According to the Express, the Brazilian striker is unsettled in Ukraine following the continued unrest in the country and is now looking for a move away from the club.

Arsene Wenger has been a keen admirer of the striker and even showed interest in signing the player before he moved to the Ukrainian club.

Apart from Arsenal, arch rivals Tottenham were also interested in signing the striker, but as revealed by Bernard, Shakhtar were the only one willing to meet the hefty price demanded by his previous employers Atletico Mineiro.

The 21-year-old Brazilian moved to Shakhtar last summer from Brazil and made 18 appearances for the Ukrainian champions. However, with all the tension and unrest in the club, the player has decided to find a new club and has convinced his club to let him leave.

But the club's hierarchy are not willing to let him leave on a permanent basis; they prefer a season long loan move this summer with an option to buy the following year.

"It is necessary to seek a compromise. It is obvious the Brazilian does not want to stay in Ukraine, where he will only complain and spoil the atmosphere in the team," a club source said, as quoted in the Express.

"But to let him go for free or for pennies won't work. The club will not allow it."

"In such a situation it is better to give the Brazilian a one year loan."

"If Bernard is able to establish himself well [at another club] Shaktar will then be in a better position to negotiate a subsequent sale," the club source added.