There were hundreds of Arsenal transfer rumours linking us with Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho in the early summer, but the extremely talented defensive midfielder was cruelly injured at the U21 World Cup.
His fractured tibula means that the 23 year-old hasn’t been able to play much this season, but I would like to believe that Wenger was keen on making him his top target until his injury took him off the market.
Carvalho himself hinted that there had been some communication with the Gunners when he said last month: “I am where I want to be right now, which is Sporting but if I ever leave then it’s a sign that my work here is done,”
“I dream of winning the Primeira Liga here. I prefer not to say too much but there is a club with which I’ve always been fond of: Arsenal.”
Now that Wenger is aware that both Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, and probably Mikel Arteta, are all out for the long-term it makes perfect sense that Wenger must get in some reinforcements in January. The reports in the summer were saying that Arsenal would have to pay the full £35 million in his buy-out clause, but because of his injury this year, the Telegraph reckons that Sporting may accept a bid of around £25 million to prise him away from the Portugese League leaders.
That is easily affordable for a very talented player, and he WANTS to come to Arsenal. So go get him Arsene!