According to reports from the Daily Telegraph, who have cited Portuguese media outlet O Jogo, Arsenal have been given the ‘green light’ to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.
The North London club made several approaches for the player last summer but to no avail, thus they are being proactive to secure the youngster’s services this time out. The report states Sporting had previously asked £30m for the 23 year old but are now willing to do business for £21.5m.
Scout Report: With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini well past their prime and struggling with niggling injuries, manager Arsene Wenger has rightly looked for a player who can partner Francis Coquelin just in front of the back four. Carvalho, who featured in the World Cup last year is now an important player in Paulo Bento’s Portugal setup.
Carvalho is a brilliant tackler of the ball and is technically a great ball winner. He will thus easily fit in Arsenal’s fluid attacking system, stopping the opposition attacks and then help win possession. Though not a runner, Carvalho also has a dynamic passing range and is naturally calm and composed. Not exactly a box to box midfielder, he often drops into defense to build from the back.
Intelligent, strong and calm under pressure, Carvalho has all the potential to become a great asset for any team across Europe. Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League standings after an indifferent start to the season but if Wenger does address the weak areas in his squad, the Gunners can also realistically challenge in the Champions League and also fight for the Premier League title next year.
Arsenal are are also interested in Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin but it is highly unlikely that the Saints will budge in their £25m valuation of the Frenchman. Thus Carvalho will be a cheaper and a much younger alternative, however it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to Premier League conditions.
Manchester United and Liverpool were also linked with Carvalho but it now appears that Arsenal are winning the race. Thus the London club are right in their approach to secure one of their key targets by being proactive well before the summer.
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