Arsenal had a scout at Portugal’s recent Confederations Cup games watching William Carvalho, a player they’ve been scouting and considering for the past 4 years.

In fact, Arsenal were the first English club to be linked with a move for the Sporting midfielder, but as John Redmond writes in a feature you can read on the site after 10pm (UK), “Despite looking like a potentially excellent addition, questions must be raised over his ability to step up.

“Summers have come and gone where Carvalho has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea amongst others and yet nothing has materialised.

“Modern scouting explores every aspect of a player – from style of play, adaptability to mental fortitude. If Carvalho has remained at Sporting CP until the age of 25, clubs have a right to wonder why.”

One of the main problems has certainly been Sporting continued over-valuation of the player but even if they aren’t intent on demanding €45m for him, it would still likely take a bid of over €35m to land him.

Manchester City and West Brom have both also been linked with Carvalho in this window.

Portugal’s A Bola say they expect Arsenal to make an offer although there is no evidence that they will.