Arsenal eyeing January move for £52 million-rated versatile defender

Arsenal are keeping tabs on the Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio ahead of the January transfer window.

A report from Portuguese publication A Bola via Sport Witness claims that Arsenal are now plotting a January move for the 22-year-old defender.

Inacio has a €60 million (£52m) release clause in his contract and it is fair to assume that the Gunners will have to come up with the money in order to sign him. He is highly rated at the Portuguese club and Sporting CP are unlikely to sell him for cheap.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the most promising young defenders in European football over the past years and he could develop into a top-class player for Arsenal with coaching and guidance.

Arsenal have a talented squad at their disposal but they need more quality if they want to compete with elite clubs like Manchester City on a regular basis. Signing Inacio would help them tighten up at the back and the Portuguese international could form a solid partnership at the heart of their defence alongside William Saliba.

The 22-year-old is versatile enough to operate as the left back as well and he will add tactical flexibility and depth to the side along with his defensive quality.

The opportunity to join a big club like Arsenal can be quite attractive for any player and the 22-year-old is likely to be keen on the idea. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal are prepared to pay the asking price now.