Arsenal linked with defender who would transform their team, his release clause is ridiculously cheap

The January transfer window is now only just over a week away from opening as Arsenal sit at the summit of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta's side lead the way by a point above second-placed Liverpool ahead of a tantalising clash at Anfield against Jurgen Klopp's men on Saturday evening.

Having finished as runners-up to eventual treble winners Manchester City last season, Arsenal will be hoping to go one better this campaign and brought in reinforcements over the summer to help make that happen.

Declan Rice became the new British record transfer after moving from fellow London club West Ham United in a £105 million deal.

Kai Havertz also moved across the capital from Chelsea to add extra firepower and creativity to the Gunners' forward line for some £65 million.

Jurrien Timber arrived from Ajax to add strength in depth in defence, though the Dutchman was unfortunate to suffer a knee injury very early into his Arsenal career, which has led to surgery and a spell on the sidelines.

And David Raya's arrival from Brentford, initially on loan, has seen an intriguing battle for the No.1 spot emerge between the Spaniard and Aaron Ramsdale.

With the January transfer window just a few days away from opening, the rumour mill is beginning to swirl with potential business clubs up and down the country might be considering, with Arsenal themselves already linked to a player described as the 'Gen Z Busquets'.

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And the latest name to be linked with a potential switch to the Gunners is Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.

The Sun reports that Edu and Arteta are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old defender as they monitor their defensive injury situation.

Full-backs Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu are currently both out injured but, other than that, the Gunners have a full complement to choose from defensively.

The report adds that Arsenal would only be prepared to spend money on defensive reinforcements next month if another serious injury occurs.

If that does not happen, the Gunners could move for the Portugal international in the summer, with the release clause in the Sporting star's contract said to be just £52 million, which runs out in June 2027.

In the current transfer market, that seems to be the standard fee and could turn out to be a shrewd move if it comes off.

Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Sporting Lisbon, Sporting CP

John McDougall