Arsenal is interested in the Portuguese defender of Sporting

Arsenal is keeping a close eye on Sporting and Portuguese national team player Inacio Goncalo. The 22-year-old footballer is indispensable to the leaders of the Portuguese championship, and acquiring him could demand a significant transfer fee, considering his contract includes a release clause of €60 million. As a left-footed player, Inacio might pose strong competition for Arsenal's left central defender Gabriel, as reported by A Bola.

Perhaps apprehensive about a repeat of last season's issues due to William Saliba's injury, Arsenal aims to bolster depth in the central midfield. The "Gunners" face some defensive issues; they lost Jurrien Timber, who joined the team only in the summer, due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the first match of the Premier League season. Additionally, reports suggest that Mikel Arteta's team is also linked to Inacio's Sporting teammate and fellow defender, Usman Diomande.

Considering Arsenal's financial fair play concerns, a transfer in January is unlikely unless the "Gunners" make a significant sale. It's also worth noting that both Sporting and Arsenal are contending for titles, and neither side desires extensive upheaval mid-season.

Inacio Goncalo has been with Sporting since 2012, signing his first contract in 2018. He debuted for the team in 2020 and has already appeared in 143 matches, netting fourteen goals. He has played for various age groups in the Portuguese national team and made his debut for the senior national squad earlier this year.