Arsenal on brink of landing Sporting Lisbon sensation for ‘over half-price’

The January transfer window may have closed, but Arsenal are already planning ahead for their summer business.

It’s understood that the Gunners are close to close to agreeing a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Tiago Tomas at a cut-price, with transfer talks well underway.

The 18-year-old forward has featured in all 18 of Sporting’s league matches this campaign, with the club sat eight points clear at the top of the table and boasting an unbeaten record.

Tomas left a lasting impression on Edu and manager Mikel Arteta when the pair watched Sporting’s victory over rivals Benfica earlier this month, prompting the Gunners to act.

Technical director Edu has already entered talks with Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana to discuss a move, SunSport has revealed.

The Lisbon-born attacker penned a five-year contract with Sporting in June 2020, with a release clause of £52million inserted.

But as clubs continue to suffer the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Portuguese giants may be willing to accept a bid in the region of £20million.

Sporting are no strangers to receiving interest in star players from Premier League sides, having sold Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United one year ago.

The Portuguese side made a significant profit on the 26-year-old, who was purchased for a reported £7million in 2017 before joining the Red Devils for an initial £47million.

An inspired purchase for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, Fernandes made an instant impact and has scored 13 times and registered nine assists in the Premier League this campaign.

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