Report: Arsenal tell Arteta conditions to sign 23-goal sensation, Liverpool also keen

By Kyle Archer

Arsenal are tracking Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Goncalves with Mikel Arteta set to receive a £250m summer transfer war chest, according to 90min.

The Gunners are prepared to back Arteta to the hilt as the Spaniard strives to reshape his squad. But he will only get the green light to spend big if targeting players aged under 25, have the potential to develop and increase in value.

Arsenal believe Goncalves fits the ball after the 22-year-old produced a stunning season last term. The Sporting midfielder offered 23 goals and four assists as he helped the Leones claim their first Liga NOS title in 19-years.

Goncalves operated in a versatile role for Ruben Amorim last term, too. The Sporting star was fielded in attacking and central midfield roles, along with on either wing and at striker. He also scored or created goals in each area.

Arteta could look to bring Goncalves, who is currently with Portugal at Euro 2020, to Arsenal this summer. The Gunners want to sign a goalkeeper, centre-half, full-back and two midfielders with Ben White likely the first addition.

Arsenal have monitored Goncalves for a number of months and could sign the midfielder along with his compatriot Renato Sanches. Liverpool are also keen on the Sporting star, however, after making contact with the Liga NOS outfit.

Sporting are under no pressure to sell Goncalves, either. Record claim he has a €60m (£51.5m) release clause in his contract that they hope to increase to €80m (£68.5m) with a new deal, despite being under contract until 2025.

TBR’s view: Arsenal find their own Fernandes in Goncalves

Arsenal will likely have to break the bank to sign Goncalves as Sporting will be loath to losing the midfielder. But Arteta can find his own Bruno Fernandes in the man the Leoes signed to replace Manchester United’s talisman.

Goncalves proved to be an incredible goal threat from anywhere on the pitch under Amorim last season. Fernando Santos also handed the 22-year-old his international debut this month after naming him in Portugal’s Euro 2020 squad.

Manchester United paid £47m rising to £67m last year for Fernandes, who has been a huge hit. The Red Devils maestro has 40 goals and 25 assists in 80 games, and broke the record for most Premier League Player of the Month award wins in a single calendar year with four.

Manchester United would now make vast profit if they were to sell the 26-year-old. Just as Arsenal could if Arteta signs Goncalves, a player who fits their bill, and is a success in England.