Arsenal are close to a summer deal for Sporting Lisbon teenager and first-team regular Tiago Tomas, according to a report.

The S*n claim Arsenal are ‘close to finalising’ a summer transfer for Sporting 18-year-old Tiago Tomas. They add that technical director Edu has been in contact with the Portuguese club’s hierarchy over a deal.

The forward has a five-year deal with his current club and a release clause of £52m, but Sporting are reportedly willing to accept £20m for a sale to ease their financial situation.

Tomas reportedly caught the eye of the Arsenal team with his performance in Sporting’s recent match against Benfica. The Gunners were scouting out their Europa League opponents at the time.

It’s worth giving the usual disclaimer that any ‘exclusive’ from this particular outlet should be taken with more than just a pinch of salt. Still, Arsenal will likely be in the market for strikers this summer, so it’s worthy of note.

As well as playing as a centre-forward, Tomas can also play on the right, which is where he’s spent large parts of this season.

He wouldn’t be much use to Arsenal there, given Mikel Arteta already has Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe, but it’s an option.