Arsenal in battle with Liverpool and Man Utd to sign Inácio
Arsenal They are supposedly in a battle with Liverpool and manchester united on an agreement to sign Sporting CP star Gonçalo Inacio, according to the Portuguese media O Jogo.
The 22-year-old has burst onto the scene in recent times having shown impressive performances in the Portugal League in recent campaigns, helping his team win a league title and a few domestic cups.
According to the report of O JogoArsenal have been monitoring Inácio's development of late before making a possible move for him next summer. The report further claims that the defender has a £51m release clause included in his current contract, so Arsenal will have to spend a huge amount to attract the Portuguese to the Emirates Stadium.
However, O Jogo claims that securing Inácio's signature will not be easy for Arsenal, as Man Utd and Liverpool have also been closely monitoring the defender's development ahead of a possible move.
Arsenal bought Jakub Kiwior to support Gabriel Magalhaes, however, the Poland international has found it difficult to show his best in the first division. So it seems the Gunners are open to letting him leave as he has been linked with a move away from the club in recent times.
Battle
Therefore, if Arsenal finally opt to cash in on Kiwior next summer, they will have to sign a new defender to replace the former Spezia star and, in that case, Inacio could be a shrewd signing.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have reportedly been looking to sign a new left defender as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 33 later this year. Several defenders have been linked with a move to Anfield, including Inácio.
Man Utd have also been exploring the market to sign a new defender after struggling with their defense this season. It has been suggested that the Red Devils could look to revamp their defensive line by signing more than one centre-back next summer.
Jean-Clair Todibo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Antonio Silva have been mentioned as serious targets for Erik ten HagBut Inácio is also on his radar.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see who will ultimately win the race to sign Inacio if Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd battle each other for this deal next summer.
