Arsenal are on the verge of signing Sporting’s William Carvalho. The 25-year-old defensive midfielder is keen on making the move to the Emirates as he was a big fan of former Arsenal great Thierry Henry.
Carvalho is valued at around £21 million, but due to his current Sporting contract running until 2020, the club will ask for nearly double that fee. Carvalho has a reported £40m release clause, but some in the media believe a fee around £30m would force Sporting into a sale.
Carvalho came through Sporting’s youth academy, but spent two spells out on loan with Fatima and Cercle Brugge before becoming a regular at the club. Last season, Carvalho played 32 Portuguese Liga matches for the club, scoring two goals and assisting three.
Despite Carvalho being interested in a move to Arsenal, Manchester City are reportedly interested in hijacking the Gunners’ move for the defensive midfielder. Pep Guardiola is said to be a big fan of Carvalho’s play.
William Carvalho 2016-17 key stats:
- 2 goals in 32 Portuguese Liga matches
- 3 assists in 32 Portuguese Liga matches
- 9 yellow cards in 32 Portuguese Liga matches
- 1.9 tackles per match
- 1.4 interceptions per match
