We’ve long been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, and the rumour mill is once again turning ahead of the January transfer window. Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering a £32m move for the Portuguese anchor man, a transition which could be made easier due to Carvalho’s love of Arsenal, as reported by The Independent.
The 23-year-old is one of the most promising young defensive midfielders in Europe, and with Francis Coquelin out for quite some time we’re certainly in need of reinforcements.
Carvalho has had injury problems of his own this season, and missed the start of the campaign due to a fractured tibia (via Goal). He’s still a top quality young talent though, and would be an excellent acquisition.
He’s also stated his love for Arsenal in the past too, suggesting a January transfer isn’t out of the question.
“I am where I want to be right now, which is Sporting but if I ever leave then it’s a sign that my work here is done,” Carvalho said previously (via The Independent).
“I dream of winning the Primeira Liga here. I prefer not to say too much but there is a club with which I’ve always been fond of: Arsenal.”
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The report claims he has a £32m release clause, which seems a little steep, regardless of his potential. You’re always likely to spend more in January though, and our needs are certainly great at the moment.
We can’t hope to challenge for the Premier League without strengthening in January, especially if our current trend with injuries continues.
Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta just aren’t capable of deputising for Francis Coquelin anymore, so we need to be looking elsewhere. Carvalho looks able to replicate what the Frenchman offers, and if we have a chance to get him we should do what needs to be done.
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Wenger is known for his unwillingness to spend in January, but perhaps our latest glut of injuries will convince him he needs to spend big this winter.
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