Arsenal have reportedly opened negotiations with Sporting Lisbon’s World Cup star William Carvalho, as Arsène Wenger sets his sights on a new defensive midfielder.

Subject to heavy negotiations

According to an exclusive piece by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, William Carvalho has been subject to a €30 million (£25 million) bid from the Gunners, as the North London side look to snatch his signature from rivals Manchester United.

The club have been aware for a long time that they are in urgent need of a defensively focused midfielder, after deciding that the aging Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta will be fighting for their futures in the upcoming months.

It is thought that Sporting Lisbon have rejected Arsenal’s first bid, which includes a lump fee being split into two parts over a long period of time.

The Portuguese club maintain that the 21-year-old has a buy out clause of €45 million (£37 million) and are unwilling to negotiate any offer that does not meet their valuation of the player.

Carvalho Complications

What plays into Arsenal’s favour is that Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United seem to have cooled their interest in Carvalho, but the long-term injury of Michael Carrick may spark talks once again.

Despite the club willing to add firepower to their ranks, it is known that company BES own 40% of the player, which could add more complications and ultimately money to any deal the Gunners try to complete in the coming weeks.

50% off? Buy one get one free?

While William Carvalho seems like the type of player that Arsenal have been crying out for, the high sum of money expected for him would be almost the remainder of the clubs summer budget.

With options like Khedira or Schneiderlin being more economical options, it would be realistic to think that Wenger would pass up any opportunity to sign the Portuguese midfielder and set his sights to less riskier options.

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