Arsenal are ready to offer Sporting CP a loan-to-buy deal for their defender Goncalo Inacio, as they look to get ahead of the race.
According to Jornal De Noticias via Sport Witness, Arsenal are looking to get ahead in the race for Goncalo Inacio as they hatch a plot to sign the defender in January. The Gunners are willing to offer a loan deal with an obligation clause to buy the €60 million-rated centre-back for his full price in the summer.
Goncalo Inacio: A Man in Demand
Sporting CP are adamant clubs will need to pay Goncalo Inacio’s €60 million release clause in full to sign the defender in January. There are a lot of teams keen on taking the now-established Portuguese international next month,
Tottenham recently revived their interest, while the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United have always kept tabs. Liverpool have also considered the Sporting CP star as a future addition for Jurgen Klopp, who continues to lack a left-footed centre-back option.
The Reds could enter the race with some vigour if they could get a clear sight of the defender. But earlier stories insisted Inacio preferred a move to Real Madrid. Amid all the injuries at the Santiago Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti had hinted the club would do their best to sign a new centre-back.
Inacio could well be that player; he suits many criteria, the Italian manager may look for. However, Arsenal are also in the race, and a recent report suggested they might trigger his release clause worth €60 million. In fact, the Gunners are hatching a ploy to suit their finances as Mikel Arteta eyes the signing of Inacio next month.
Can a Loan-To-Buy Offer Do the Trick for Arsenal?
Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay up in full for the €60 million-rated defender, albeit only next summer. They are willing to offer Sporting CP a loan deal, which will include a mandatory purchase option that comes into effect after the season ends. Through this route, they might end up offering them more money via a loan fee.
Sporting accepted a similar deal for Pedro Porro last season and could open their doors to Arsenal to sign Inacio. Much will depend on the player and his preference, as he might wait on clubs like Real Madrid or even Manchester United to make offers.
Arsenal are not exactly short of a left-footed defender. But the opportunity to sign someone like Inacio might see them make the deal. As things stand, there is massive competition in place. But the Gunners will make the effort to get ahead of the pack for the Portuguese international.