Arsenal are in the race for Goncalo Inacio as Mikel Arteta could look to add a new defender while facing plenty of domestic competition.
According to AS, Arsenal are in the race for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio. The Portuguese defender has a release clause which his club want in one payment. If they are serious, the Gunners will face plenty of competition, with Newcastle United and Liverpool also mentioned as suitors.
Goncalo Inacio is coming at the back of an impressive season with Sporting CP. Not only has he matured as a defender, but his good performances have also fixed a spot in the Portugal national side. Sporting, as usual, are open to offers which meet their requirements, currently at €45 million.
The Portuguese defender will only leave if suitors pay €45 million to secure his services. Moreover, Sporting CP want the money in a single payment and are not open to negotiating a long, drawn-out package with clubs.
Liverpool had an interest earlier. But of late, they have focused on other squad areas, particularly the midfield. Jurgen Klopp needs a new defender to shore up the backline. But whether they are open to paying €45 million for a young star remains the question.
They have been linked with Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven. But Tottenham seem like the favourites in pursuit of the Dutchman. Any move for a new defender could get pushed for later in this window, as Liverpool would like to prioritise other positions in this current period.
Newcastle United have also been mentioned. But like Liverpool, they are close to finishing their primary business of signing a midfielder and a full-back. They might jump into signing a central defender next, and the €45 million-rated Portuguese defender features on top of their list for now.
Arsenal’s name is mentioned in the report as a possible suitor for Inacio. The Gunners were in the market for a proper centre-back. But as they close in on Jurrien Timber, that requirement draws many questions.
Timber can play centrally or as a right-back, which has led to Arteta acquiring the player who could prove worthy. Moreover, the presence of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba closes the door for a new central defender.
Additionally, the Gunners have embarked on a massive spending spree with the signings of Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice. The trio could take their spending to well over €200 million, making it difficult for Arsenal to spend €45 million in one shot for Inacio.
While they may have some interest in Inacio, it is difficult to see Arsenal spending on the Sporting star now. For now, they will look to close the deal for their current targets. After that, depending on outgoings, the Gunners could look at other players, including Inacio.