KEY POINTS

  • The Gunners are reportedly exploring a possible acquisition of William Carvalho
  • Carvalho is unlikely to get a better playing time if he moves to Arsenal
  • Another Arsenal target has no plans of his leaving his club this season

Like most teams, Arsenal is expected to check out the available talent in the January transfer window.

This early, it appears the Gunners already have a target in mind.

According to CalcioMercato, Arsenal has its sights on William Carvalho.

If the name rings a bell, it is because the 29-year-old is the same player that Arsene Winger had his eyes on before the Euro 2016.

However, the Portuguese footballer opted to stick with Sporting Lisbon. He would move to Real Betis in June 2018.

Unfortunately, Carvalho has not been getting consistent playing time. This season alone, he started in just five matches. In the three other games where he played, he came in as a substitute.

Carvalho is in the last 18 months of his deal with Verdes. His current contract is set to expire in June 2023, and there is now buzz he may make the switch to English football.

While a move to the Emirates Stadium appears good on paper, there may be no assurance that he will get his desired exposure.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are leading the way and they do have ample backing in the person of Albert Lokonga.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another option although there is a possibility that he may leave Arsenal soon.

Hence, Carvalho may be a sensible pick-up to beef up the midfield or Arsenal by the January transfer window.

But as far as getting more playing time, such may be another matter.

It is also worth noting that for the move to push through, the Gunners would need to settle a release clause in the Portuguese footballer’s current deal, Marca reported.

That amount is roughly £100 million ($138 million), huge money that may not make sense for Mikel Arteta and company.

In a related development, it appears Arsenal’s bid for Sardar Azmoun has suffered a big blow.

According to the Iranian’s agent via HITC, the 26-year-old forward will not be leaving Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Azmoun has less than 12 months left in his current deal with Sine-Belo-Golubye and is valued at £22.5million ($31 million).

This season, he has scored seven times in 10 league appearances.

William Carvalho
After his performances for Portugal U-21s, William Carvalho is thought to once again be interesting Arsenal. Reuters
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