Arsenal linked with surprise move for Goncalo Inacio
Arsenal have the chance to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio on a flexible payment structure, according to Correio da Manha (page 13).
The Gunners have had a fantastic start to the summer transfer window, and they could begin pre-season with three signings in the bag.
Kai Havertz joined from Chelsea earlier this week while Arsenal are in the final stretch of negotiations for West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Meanwhile, reports in Holland confirm that Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with Ajax for defender Jurrien Timber.
It is now claimed that Arsenal are interested in pursuing a deal for Inacio, who has a €45 million release clause in his contract.
The Portuguese centre-back has turned down a renewal at Sporting, and the club are now receptive to selling him this summer.
Arsenal have been handed a boost with Sporting willing to negotiate a fixed fee with bonuses for Inacio rather than a one-time payment.
Will Arsenal sign Inacio this summer?
Arsenal currently have three left-footed central defenders in the first-team squad.
Gabriel Magalhaes has been an undisputed starter. Jakub Kiwior has provided good back-up since his January move from Spezia.
The Gunners also have Aaron Trusty in their ranks, but they could consider selling him for a good transfer fee.
In our view, a move for Inacio seems unlikely, but the scenario could change if Kieran Tierney were to leave the club.
Kiwior started ahead of Tierney at left-back in the final two games of the campaign after an injury for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
This could become his specified role, suppose Tierney decides to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
In that case, Inacio could be brought in as a deputy for Gabriel.
The 21-year-old impressed in both legs of Sporting’s win over Arsenal in the Europa League last 16 last season.
Inacio is strong with his distribution, but also likes to make key tackles and clearances when required.
He has also excelled when it comes to winning aerial challenges in and around the box.
For €45m, he would represent another shrewd piece of investment for the Gunners.
