Arsenal has been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Sporting CP midfielder William Carvalho this month. It is being reported that the Sporting CP president has told the Gunners to forget about their plans to secure the services of their Portuguese midfielder in the January transfer window. President Bruno de Carvalho has put any potential rumours to rest regarding their prized asset. In an interview with a local Portuguese newspaper, de Carvalho was quoted to have said:
“Forget [it]. He is not transferable in January.
“If one day he leaves, wherever it is, we must ensure that the footballing aspect of the decision is not called into question.”
The 25-year-old has put up some impressive displays for the Portuguese club in the last few years which has seen the likes of Arsenal and West Ham United still eager to bring him to the Premier League. He has featured in 18 matches for Sporting CP this season and has made two assists. However, with his club reluctant to let him go this month, let’s take a look at three alternatives for the Gunners to consider in the winter transfer window.
Jorginho
The Napoli midfielder already has his growing list of admirers with a whole host of clubs lining up for his signature. The 26-year-old has been in fine form for the Italian club this season. He has featured in 21 matches for Napoli in all competitions and has scored 4 goals and made 3 assists so far. He is exactly the kind of midfielder that Arsene Wenger is looking for in the current market. However, it won’t be easy to secure his services with Manchester United also keen on landing the defensive midfielder.
Fabinho
The AS Monaco central midfielder has featured heavily for his side this season. The Brazilian has scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in 25 appearances for the French club in all competitions. The 24-year-old can boss the Gunners midfield for years to come if they are able to persuade the Ligue 1 club to part ways with their prized asset. Fabinho has also earned four international caps for Brazil and is eager to improve in the second half of the season in order to give himself a chance of making it to the Brazil squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Danilo Pereira
The FC Porto player is a defensive beast in midfield and has been a rock at the centre of the park for the Portuguese club in the last few seasons. The 26-year-old has made 23 appearances for Porto this season and has scored 4 goals and made 3 assists so far. He can be a shrewd addition to Arsenal if they are able to persuade the Portuguese club to do business in this winter transfer window.
