The Sporitng Club de Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho is definitely one of the most promising DMs in Europe at the moment, so there is little surprise that Arsenal was sending scouts to watch him on a regular basis last season.
But sadly in July the 23 year-old sustained a fracture to his tibia after leading the Portugal U21 side to the Final of the U21 Euro Championships. It is hardly surprising as the youngster had already played around 50 games in the season before even agreeing to play with the U21s.
So he was forecast to be out of action for the following three months, so Arsenal ruled out a summer move for the young star as theyawaited his recovery. Carvalho is now back in action and the Portugese paper A Bola have had an intensive interview with the returning hardman.
During the interview, he was asked where he would like to go when he leaves Portugal, and he made it clear that he fancied his chances in the Premier League. The reporter then pressed him to reveal which would be his favourite destination, and he replied: “I prefer not to say, but there is a club with which I’ve always empathised, Arsenal, because of a player who was I very fond of. In this case I wear the number of him: Thierry Henry, a player with whom I always empathised too. Maybe this is why I look with more attention to the Premier League.”
Well that was a very specific answer, even though he started with “I prefer not to say”! Can you imagine he came to the Gunners and was finally coached by his boyhood hero. He seems like a dedicated Gooner, as well as being an excellent player. Can you imagine how formidable we would be if we had him and Coquelin to rotate over the season.
He sounds desperate to join us and at todays prices his €45m buy-out clause doesn’t seem too excessive.
Take the hint Wenger. Go get him in January!