Arsenal are front of the queue to snatch Portuguese international midfielder William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon, according to numerous reports.

After being priced out of a move for Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira, thanks to the German World Cup winner’s high wage demands, Arsene Wenger has been on the prowl for an alternative to solve his defensive midfield problem.

With Mikel Arteta failing to produce in the role, Abou Diaby’s fruitless attempt to stay fit and Jack Wilshere’s desire to play higher up the pitch, the position is one of the only places up for grabs in an otherwise deep Gunners squad.

A deal for Khedira looked set after the World Cup, with Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil all doing their persuasive bests to lure him to the Emirates. However, after that deal ended badly and no offer for other target Lars Bender tabled, Carvalho looks like the next best option.

The 22-year-old midfielder grabbed himself a spot in Portugal’s World Cup squad this summer and played one and a half games in the midfield. His loan spell at Cercle Brugge last season kick started the youngster’s rise to fame and sparked Manchester United into alleged interest.

A price tag is said to be set at around €30million, or £24million, which might have deterred a Wenger of old. However the Frenchman is no longer shy of big money deals having already splashed out on Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy.

It has now been claimed that Arsenal HAVE offered the required €30million, although this was rejected by the Portuguese club as the offer was in instalments rather than a lump sum, which is all it takes to complete the transfer.

The price tag may be hefty however the emerging star could be perfect for building the foundations for a fresh young side.

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