Liverpool have stepped up their interest in the services of Arsenal and Manchester United defensive target Goncalo Inacio.
According to O Jogo via Paisley Gates, Liverpool are pushing hard to acquire the services of Goncalo Inacio as they look to reinforce their backline ahead of next season. While Sporting CP’s defensive ace is on the wishlist of Arsenal as well as Manchester United, the Reds are giving it their all to bring him to Anfield. The youngster has a £50.4 million release clause in his contract.
Inacio has had an exceptional rise to the top. He has been a part of the Sporting CP setup since 2012 and got promoted to their first team back in 2020. Despite being just 22, he is already a mainstay at the Portuguese club and has featured in over 170 matches for their senior team.
Last season, he was involved in 49 matches and even managed to contribute towards five goals. His consistent performances have helped him establish himself in the Portugal national team as well. Goncalo Inacio was a part of their squad that competed at the recently concluded Euro 2024.
Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Sporting CP ace
While Goncalo Inacio still has three years left on his deal at Sporting, there are high chances of him leaving the club this summer amidst interest from top Premier League clubs. Arsenal are one of the clubs linked with the youngster. Mikel Arteta already has a strong defensive core. But he wants to further strengthen the rotation, and Inacio could be a great long-term signing for them.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are keen on a defensive overhaul this summer. They want to bring in multiple top defenders and the Portuguese international is one of the names on their wishlist. While both Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on his signature, Liverpool are all set to battle it out with them.
Liverpool keen on Goncalo Inacio
The Reds are pushing hard to ensure they bring Inacio to the club before the start of next season. With Virgil van Dijk’s future at the club uncertain, the Merseyside club have identified the 22-year-old as their top target. They feel he could be an ideal long-term replacement for the Dutch international.
Liverpool have been in talks to sign him and have already made significant progress with regards to a potential transfer. Inacio has a £50.4 million release clause in his current contract. While the report earlier suggested that Sporting would accept a lower fee, they will only let him leave in a situation where the clause has been triggered.
