Arsenal are, reportedly, scouting William Carvalho as the transfer window turns to worn out rumours to fill its pages.

Having been linked with Carvalho since the beginning of time, you have to wonder why the people who are writing these things think that Arsenal need to scout a player they’ve have allegedly watched on a regular basis since it was decided that they needed to sign a defensive midfielder a number of seasons ago

Back then, the rumour might have made sense, but it makes absolutely none now with Arsenal already spending over £30m on Granit Xhaka and also bringing in Mohamed Elneny in January.

With the need for a centreback and forward bordering on the desperate, what on earth would Arsenal be doing thinking about bringing in another midfielder?

Oh yeah, that’s kinda what they do…carry on…

Now 24, Carvalho has been linked with Arsenal for so long that he’s no longer a promising youngster but his €45m release clause is surely too much for Wenger after already plumping a large whack of cash on that position. Even if he is available for €35m, it’s still not something Arsenal are going to get involved in.

There are other Sporting players that Arsenal have been linked with recently – Islam Slimani and Jao Mario to name just two – but it is William whom Record in Portugal claim that the club are considering.

If you say so…