‘If the move happens, Arsenal will be getting a terrific player’

William Carvalho would be a fantastic acquisition for Arsenal, according to World Soccer editor Gavin Hamilton.

The Gunners have been recently linked with a £24 million move for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen the centre of his midfield with a robust anchorman.

A number of defensive midfielders – such as Sami Khedira and Morgan Schneiderlin have also been on Wenger’s radar – but it seems the Frenchman has turned his attentions to the 22-year-old Portugal international, who had a productive season for both club and country last season.

And although ManchesterCity and United are reportedly tracking the midfielder, Hamilton believes if Arsenal can win the race for his signature then it would be a terrific coup for the club.

Quoted on talkSPORT.com, Hamilton said:

‘If the move happens, Arsenal will be getting a terrific player in William Carvalho.

‘He’s not been on the scene for very long, this time last year he was just on the fringes of Sporting’s first-team, but he came in last season and by the autumn he was in Portugal’s national side.

‘He was in the squad for the World Cup and while he didn’t start the first two games, many were saying they would have fared better in Brazil if he had.’

He added:

‘He’s very highly-rated, very versatile and very mobile. Man City were linked with him a lot last season, but if Arsenal pay the money they’ll get a very good player.

‘It’ll be a very interesting transfer for the Gunners, they’ve already splashed the cash on Sanchez and done some good business in bringing in Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy in defence so a top class midfielder would complete the set.’

Carvalho would be a huge signing for the club and would also solve our defensive midfield problem.

The player still has four years left to run on his current deal at the Portuguese club but is thought to have a £37 million release clause within it.

Arsenal will try their luck by tabling a £24 million bid and could well succeed with this offer. However, if they don’t, then they could easily stump up an extra £13 million to trigger his clause. Yes, it does sound like a lot of money for a 22-year-old, but the guy is highly rated and would thrive at Arsenal, playing with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and also being tutored by Wenger and co.