Arsenal join race to sign Sporting star Goncalo Inacio

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio in the upcoming transfer window, as per the transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.

Posted Friday, December 22, 2023 by arsenalstation.com

After coming through the Portuguese club's youth system, the 22-year-old made his senior debut back in 2020 before establishing himself as a key member of Ruben Amorim's starting eleven.

Inacio has been displaying impressive performances in Liga Portugal in recent times and it appears his eye-catching displays haven't gone unnoticed as he has already attracted a lot of attention from several Premier League clubs.

Liverpool and Manchester United have already registered their interest in signing him, but it seems Tottenham' and Arsenal have now also entered the race.

Speaking on Caught Offside, Jacobs has claimed that Tottenham and Man Utd have been plotting a swoop for Inacio but Arsenal have now also been showing an interest and they have already scouted the defender ahead of a potential move in the upcoming window.

Inacio to Arsenal

Jacobs said:

"You also have the Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio who has been interesting to Tottenham and to an extent to Arsenal as well. They have done normal scouting on the player and he's also on the list at Manchester United as well."

It has been suggested that Inacio has a £52m release clause included in his current contract and Sporting don't want to sell their star man unless his potential suitors such as the Gunners trigger his exit clause. So, Arsenal will have to pay a big fee to purchase the Portugal international.

The 22-year-old is a versatile player as although he is a left-sided centre-back by traits but can also play in the left-back position. He is quick, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, good in defensive contributions and also reads the game well.

So, he would be a shrewd signing for the North London club should they opt to purchase him next year. Arsenal purchased Jakub Kiwior as the backup option for Gabriel Magalhaes but the Poland international hasn't been able to perform at his best in the English top-flight. So, Inacio would be a good replacement for him should they opt to let Kiwior leave the club.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether Arsenal eventually decide to make a concrete approach to sign the defender in the upcoming transfer window.