Arsenal are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to sign Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder William Carvalho, reports the Metro.
The Emirates manager Arsene Wenger is desperately looking for a new defensive midfield star to play alongside Aaron Ramsey and the Portugal international now appears to be his primary target ahead of next season.
The Gunners had a £24 million bid rejected for Carvalho earlier this summer, while his buyout clause is at around £37 million in his contract, but the Primeira Liga side are now believed to be ready to let him go for a cheap.
Tony Leen, of the Irish Examiner reports:
Inside word is that the gap between Sporting & Arsenal is narrowing. Whether Arsene will go the extra mile….Your guess is as good as mine!
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) August 1, 2014
However, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also keen on Carvalho’s signature, but the Gunners are among the favourites to sign him at this stage with a strong chance of securing a deal.
The 22-year-old highly-rated midfielder has established himself as one of the best players in Portuguese football – who made his debut in 2011 for Sporting Lisbon, having spent two season away on loan with Fatima and Cercle Brugge.
