Arsenal send scouts to Portugal on transfer mission but Newcastle could spoil plan
Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to Portugal to watch Porto star Evanilson in action against Estoril on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta has made clear he wants to strengthen his squad at both ends of the pitch when the summer transfer window opens, with the likes of Ajax's Jorrel Hato and Sporting's Ousmane Diomande being considered for defence.
The Gunners could also move for a forward, with Brentford's Ivan Toney and Napoli's Victor Osimhen among those to have been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium.
Another name believed to be in the mix is Porto's Evanilson, who has scored 22 times in all competitions for Porto this season. The Brazilian featured in both legs of the Gunners' Round of 16 Champions clash with the Portuguese side, though was unable to get on target.
A latest report byHITC has indicated Arsenal representatives were in attendance during Porto's most recent league fixture, which ended in a surprise 1-0 away defeat at Estoril.
Mikel Arteta sends clear message to Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah
Arsenal handed Jurrien Timber first game back hint as Mikel Arteta reveals final injury step
Arsenal may be hoping to use their connections in Portugal to secure a deal for Evanilson, having kept an eye on Primera Liga by tracking stars such as Diomande and Viktor Gyokeres.
Arteta's side aren't the only ones who are monitoring the progress of Evanilson, however, with Newcastle United also understood to have been present for Porto's loss. The Magpies could lose both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak this summer, with plenty of clubs interested in both players, which could force Eddie Howe into bolstering his attacking options.
Read on football.london
