Portuguese World Cup star, William Carvalho could be set for a move to Arsenal reports suggest.
Arsene Wenger is ready to meet the £20million asking price to bring the Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder to the Emirates in January. Arsenal held talks with Sporting in the summer but a fee could never be agreed on.
Arsenal have made no secret of their need for a central defender and defensive midfielder in the new year, and Carvalho has the distinct advantage of being able to play in both positions.
Originally from Angola, Carvalho has represented Portugal since Under-17 level having moved from his home country at an early age.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also in the hunt for the 22-year-old, but it would seem Arsenal are firm favourites to land him.
Agent, Marco Silva has said: ‘William is a target for English teams, but I want him to play his game.
‘He’s not playing at the same level as last season because last season he was a surprise, but he’s improving. William has many offers. Let’s wait till January.’
With Sporting now out of the Champions League at the group stages, they seem less willing to hang on to one of their star assets. They were originally holding out for an offer in excess of £20million that would trigger a ‘buy-out’ clause in the player’s contract.
Whether Carvalho is the man to answer Wenger’s defensive concerns remains to be seen, or will he seeking further reinforcements?
Written by Michael Horne
Follow me on Twitter @MichaelHorne777
