Arsenal are reportedly scanning the market in the hopes of signing a new midfielder and have reignited their interest in Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho.
According to a report by Record, Arsenal are set to renew their interest in William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon as manager Arsene Wenger is keen to boost their midfield options ahead of next season.
Wenger has been an admirer of the Portuguese international for a while now and the defensive midfielder was close to signing a deal with the Gunners back in the 2015/16 season but the deal failed to materialize at the time. Things are different now and this time, the Frenchman might just be able to snap a deal for Carvalho.
It is believed that Carvalho is eager to to play in the Premier League in the upcoming season after assuming a leading role in the team’s successes on field.
The midfielder has truly been a strong figure for Sporting Lisbon ever since he progressed through the ranks to cement a position for himself in the club’s senior side back in 2013. In fact, he is now a key factor to the team’s fortunes and was also quite influential in Portugal’s triumphant run in the Euro 2016.
Last season, Carvalho was integral to Lisbon’s attempt at trying to qualify for the Champions League and has been a regular presence on field for the club. The 25-year-old missed just one league game for the Portuguese giants and played every other game across all competitions.
Carvalho also came in handy as far as goal-scoring is concerned and provided two goals and four assists despite being a defensive midfielder by nature. He has only gone from strength to strength and is in ideal form to boost Arsenal’s midfield.
The situation isn’t too great back at the Emirates since Francis Coquelin’s form has taken quite a dip and his performances last term were disastrous, to say the least. Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka have had their share of ups and downs as well.
Hence, Wenger is now focusing his attention on procuring a proven midfielder after a sensational deal to sign the widely-demanded Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.
Carvalho does seem to be the answer to their midfield woes since he is someone who can guard the back four and keep things tight with his tackling skills. Additionally, he is only 25 and still has his best years ahead of him.
