Arsene Wenger is once again rumoured to be after a big name with an even bigger transfer fee, but could this story have any chance of becoming a reality?
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso, according to the player’s agent.
The Portugal international has courted interest from a number of top clubs around Europe, with Manchester United as well as Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus linked with the player.
Veloso’s agent, Paulo Barbosa, said that Arsenal have added their name to that list after contacting him about the 22-year-old midfielder.
‘Actually, we did not have normal contact from the Arsenal board, but from a member of the technical staff at the club,’ Barbosa said.
‘At the moment there is not a formal offer yet, but it is possible that will happen soon as Juventus and AC Milan have shown an equal interest in the player.’
He added: “He (Veloso) is on holiday, now. Sporting Lisbon has not commented just yet, but until a formal offer is made that is perfectly normal.
‘As long as there is a good offer for both parties – the club and Veloso – then negotiation can be done for sure. It is not secret to anyone that he wants to play abroad.’
Reports suggest that Sporting Lisbon have set a 30 million euros (£23m) buy-out clause in Veloso’s contract. Despite that, Barbosa does not believe the club will stand in the way of a young player leaving the club.
‘The buy-out clause is another issue,’ Barbosa added. “If they argue that value that would mean the youngsters would never the club.’ (Telegraph)
Miguel Veloso is one of the most sought-after properties in the game right now, and whilst the fee may put some off, it is pretty much the market value of such a player right now. After all who would have thought Adebayor would be set for a 32m exit?!
Flamini left Arsenal in the lurch and did so in a most despicable way. Whilst many players have been linked with a move to replace the Frenchman, this young Portuguese tough tackler would be a pretty damn good addition to the side. Do Arsenal fans think the fee is too much?