The Gunners have been encouraged with the news that Sporting Lisbon would be willing to accept a reasonable offer for defensive midfielder William Carvalho.

Original Bid Rebuffed

As reported by Arsenal Latest earlier today, Arsenal made a bid of £24 million for the Portuguese international, which was instantly rebuffed by his current club.

With the player under 60% ownership of Sporting and 40% ownership of company BES, it is thought that the North London club will have to increase their offer, which would have originally been paid in two separate transactions.

Open To Negotiations

However, The Telegraph believe that Sporting Lisbon are open to negotiations after finding out the player would be open to a move.

This would mean that Arsenal could get their man for considerably less than the £35 million buy out clause that is in his contract.

If they were to sign Carvalho, he would be the clubs third signing of the summer, as well as the first defensive midfielder to sign this year after much speculation as to whom Arsène Wenger would buy.

Defensively Focused

With deals for Sami Khedira and Morgan Schneiderlin uncertain, Carvalho is a good valued option that Arsenal are extremely keen to pursue.

Regardless, a defensive midfielder should be made a priority, especially as Mikel Arteta has struggled to look the part, while Mathieu Flamini may not have much more time left in him.

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