The answer is never, apparently.

Arsenal have been linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho since the dawn of time but, as of yet, we’ve not actually made any real moves for him.

Now, according to the Independent, we’re once against being rumoured to sign the 23-year-old during January transfer window, as well as just about every other defensive midfielder in the world.

Carvalho has made 10 appearances for Lisbon this season and even scored a goal, so could be just what we need to sure up our midfield.

With Coquelin and Arteta both injured and the former being sidelined for months, the chances of us actually signing a defensive midfielder are significantly higher than usual. However, with the previous rumours linking us to the Portuguese man turning out to be complete hot air, it’s unlikely that we’re suddenly interested now.

We’re far more likely to sign someone like Lars Bender, who appears to have genuinely been on our radar for a while now.