Sporting’s nine-goal winger is once again on Arsenal’s radar after a standout season, but the Gunners may not be alone in testing the resolve of the Portuguese club.
Arsenal’s interest in Francisco Trincão has reportedly reignited, with the Sporting winger once again attracting Premier League attention after a good season in Lisbon.
Having been linked with the Portuguese international as far back as 2019, Arsenal are understood to have stepped up their scouting this season, with the winger registering nine goals and 18 assists across 50 appearances in all competitions as they watched on.
Sources close to Sporting suggest that at least three English clubs have made informal approaches over the past six weeks.
According to reporting from Record, Arsenal are among the most prominent suitors and have scouted the 25-year-old on multiple occasions this season, including during their own Champions League encounter with Sporting.
Trincão remains under contract until 2027 but a €60 million release clause leaves the club vulnerable despite their desire to keep one of their key assets.
Club president Frederico Varandas has made no secret of his desire to extend Trincão’s deal and recently offered him the iconic number 10 shirt for the 2025–26 campaign, a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing his importance to Sporting’s project. He currently wears the number 17.
The winger’s decision may ultimately hinge on more than just sentiment. Premier League clubs are reportedly prepared to double his current wages with offers in the region of €3 million net per season.
While the overtures remain exploratory, they signal a clear intent to lure the former Barcelona man back to a top-five league.
Trincão’s technical ability, versatility in wide positions, and increased productivity have drawn praise both domestically and at international level. His performance for the national team in March, where he impressed with two goals against Denmark to take the tie to extra time, has only added to the interest abroad.
For Arsenal, who will look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of next season, Trincão offers experience and ability. The Gunners have carefully reshaped their recruitment strategy in recent seasons and see the winger as a player entering his prime, who fits both the club’s tactical blueprint and long-term vision.
Negotiations over his future are expected to intensify as the summer window approaches. Whether Arsenal choose to meet the release clause or pursue alternative structures remains to be seen.