Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder William Carvalho has taken a new turn following new development emerging from Portugal.
The Portuguese daily O jogo who broke the report of Arsenal’s interest few weeks are reporting that both clubs are close to agreeing a fee for the player.
The reports claims that discussions are on between both clubs as Arsenal are prepared to pay the £24 million bid up front in order to get the defensive midfielder.
It is believed that Sporting Lisbon are willing to sell William Carvalho, but on the other hand, Arsenal are not willing to meet his £37 million (€45 million) buy out clause, but they are willing to pay £24 million (€30 million) for the player.
Sporting Lisbon are currently facing financial difficulties and as a result are willing to sell one of their prized asset to meet certain financial requirements.
Initially Portuguese daily O jogo revealed few weeks ago that Arsenal had a bid of £24 million turned down for the 22 years for not only falling short of the buy out clause of his contract, but for the way the payment has been structured.
The 22 year old had spent just one season with Sporting Lisbon.
He previously had a loan spell with Cercle Brugge in the Jupiler league, before he was recalled.
He was an instrumental figure in a young Sporting Lisbon team that took several observers by surprise by fighting for the title last season, before they eventually finished in second place.
It was a complete turn around from the previous season where the club flirted with relegation, struggled with several financial difficulties, before they eventually finished in seventh place.
The 6ft 1in defensive midfielder may only be 22 years, but he has the physical attributes of a bull fighter that would enable him cope seamless with the rigours of the Premier League.
And his range of passing means he can slot in deep within the midfield and take it long to relieve pressure something missing in Arsenal’s game.
He can also play as a centre half, which means he can slot in at the back if there is injury.
The noises involving this very transfer has been quiet for sometime, and the fact that it has picked up again means there must be something in the offing, and it is a case of Arsenal fans should watch closely to see how this one pans out, because the club does need a defensive midfielder.
