Report: Arsenal close to finalising deal for striker, £32m cheaper than release clause

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Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising a summer deal for Tiago Tomas, according to The Sun.

The outlet claims that Gunners technical director Edu has been in direct contact with Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo Viana over the deal.

Tomas, 18, has been making waves at the Portuguese giants, and Arteta and Edu were reportedly wowed by his talents when watching Sporting play Benfica earlier this month.

The Arsenal duo were said to be keeping tabs on Benfica ahead of the North Londoners’ Europa League meeting with them later this month.

Edu is believed to have made it clear to Viana that they do not want to regret missing out on such a player in the future.

Tomas signed a new five-year contract with the Portuguese giants in June 2020 with a reported release clause of £52million.

However, due to the current economic climate and Sporting’s spending in recent years, it is understood the club may accept a deal as low as £20million, added The Sun.

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Tomas is a talented prospect who impressed in the Sporting ranks en route to the first team and has hit the ground running at senior level too.

Despite his young age, the 6ft marksman has already clocked up 30 senior competitive appearances, registering five goals and four assists.

For Arsenal to be reportedly close to signing Tomas, and for a fee potentially £32million cheaper than his release clause, would certainly constitute a coup.