Any hopes Arsenal had of signing Portugal midfielder William Carvalho have been dealt a blow by news that Real Madrid are also keen on the player.
According to A Bola, Real are keen on the powerful Sporting Lisbon midfielder, with French source Le 10 Sport understanding that Florentino Perez is an admirer of Carvalho, and is keen to bring him to the Bernabeu.
Thus far, Real have been untypically quiet in the summer transfer window.
They have signed goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, who will compete with Keylor Navas to replace Iker Casillas, but have largely resisted the temptation to improve their outfield options.
However, having released Sami Khedira earlier in the summer—the Germany international moved to Juventus—the Merengues risk being left short in the heart of the park. Another departure may come in the shape of Asier Illarramendi, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool [Express via the Telegraph].
Despite recently suffering a stress fracture while on international duty with Portugal’s U21 team, Carvalho would represent an excellent option for Real, and would arguably be an upgrade on Illarramendi.
However, should Real look to move for the player, they may yet face competition from Arsenal.
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The Gunners are understood to be keen on the box-to-box star [Daily Mail], and having missed out on long-term target Morgan Schneiderlin [Independent] (who moved to Manchester United), they may yet take a look at Carvalho.