Real Madrid are close to signing 23-year-old William Carvalho, according to reports
The La Liga club are planning to offer £32million to secure Carvalho’s services, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
The Gunners were heavily linked with the Portugal U21 international earlier this summer, but Carvalho rejected Arsenal, instead favouring to continue his development at Sporting.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly admired Carvalho for some time but Madrid have now emerged as frontrunners for his signature.
Real look set to conclude a deal for the Sporting player sooner rather than later, with talks between the club and Carvalho’s agent, Jorge Mendes set to begin.
However, the Bernabeu club are in 500 million euros of global debt, according to La Liga football expert Graham Hunter and may need to sell before adding to the squad.
Benzema’s future
Karim Benzema could be the player on his way out at Real Madrid in order to raise the funds to bring Carvalho in.
Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon back in July 2009 on a six-year contract, for a reported transfer fee of 35million euros.
The Frenchman has since made 188 appearances for Madrid, winning several trophies, including the Champions League, during the 2013-14 season.
Arsenal have continued to be linked with the France international – AS also claims the 27-year-old would be allowed to leave Madrid for a reported £45million.
However, Wenger has moved to quell rumours about the need to make a big-money signing, after their 2-0 home defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
“We were as open before that result as after. We are working hard and focused on what can strengthen our squad. The availability is not big” said Wenger.
Written by Jack Wynne – @JackRobertWynne
