Arsenal had a scout at the Lisbon derby between Sporting and Benfica last Wednesday, and could have been watching William Carvalho. Again.
Portugal remains a hotbed of football talent and it’s no surprise that several clubs had scouts in attendance for the big game between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
Arsenal were one of 16 clubs who sent a scout to watch the game.
Official list of clubs who sent scouts to Lisbon for yesterday's Benfica-Sporting. Half of the 16 teams from England, two of which have Portuguese coaches. pic.twitter.com/fkJQHMzbM1
— Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) January 4, 2018
With so many players to watch, it is difficult to guess who Arsenal were watching.
O Jogo suggests that Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo and Pizzi, and Sporting’s William Carvalho and Gelson Martins were the players being watched.
Arsenal have been linked with Carvalho for many years, but have yet to make a serious move.
The midfielder was closer to a move to West Ham in the summer than he was to Arsenal.
Martins, meanwhile, was linked during the summer.
The winger is an exciting talent, but Sporting have put a huge asking price on him.
It’s also possible that Arsenal were watching someone they haven’t been linked with yet.
Given the amount of times Arsenal have scouted Sporting’s game, you’d think they would know plenty about William Carvalho already.