Emirates Stadium side look to make tough tackler their last summer signing.
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Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon youngster William Carvalho after extensive talks with the Portuguese international’s representatives.
CaughtOffside understands that Arsenal have entered advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon after the Primeira Liga side opted to reduce their asking price for 22 year old battler Carvalho.
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Sporting Lisbon had initially been looking to hold on to the tough tackler until a side triggered his release clause, with an inflated £35m bid needed to do so, but are now ready to accept offers of around £26m for Carvalho.
Arsenal are ready to meet just such a valuation with Arsene Wenger ready to give up his ongoing chase for Real Madrid star Sami Khedira, who’s wage demands appear to be putting a halt to a possible move to the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger feels a move for Carvalho is a more cost effective option to consider and despite the player’s relative lack of top tier experience the Arsenal manager is keen to bring in the Angolan born starlet at a relatively high price.
As an extra sweetener Arsenal are ready to send a young talent on loan to the Estádio José Alvalade as part of an offer for Carvalho with the likes of Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanogo, Gedion Zelalem or Carl Jenkinson being possible options in this regard.
Carvalho was in excellent form last term as he helped his side mount a genuine title challenge as Marco Silva’s side secured a second place finish, and a Champions League return, but seemingly Sporting Lisbon are open to cashing in on one of their prized assets.
Arsenal are in talks with Carvalho over his personal terms and are ready to offer the youngster a four year contract which would see his wages improve significantly.
The north London side are in pole position to sign Carvalho and hope to clinch a deal before the Premier League season gets underway having already signed Alexis Sanchez, David Ospina, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy thus far this summer.
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