William Carvalho (L) of Portugal’s Under-21s and Emre Can of Germany battle for the ball.
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However, Carvalho could develop into the best defensive midfielder in the world in the next few years, and if the Gunners could tempt him sooner rather than later, he will give the north London team a tactical element they have missed since the departure of Patrick Vieira a decade ago.
William may remain focused on Sporting Lisbon at present, but he dropped a clear hint of where he would like his future to be if he does leave the club, with his eyes set firmly on Arsenal.
Carvalho has always been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the Gunners, along with Chelsea and Liverpool, the most frequently associated with his name.
Carvalho admitted that he has always thought about the Gunners and is very fond of club legend Thierry Henry.
“I prefer not to say too much, but there is a club I have always loved: Arsenal. I dream of winning the Portuguese league”, he added.
An untimely injury ended any hopes of a move to the Emirates during the summer but the Express claimed last month that Arsenal were still showing a keen interest in the Portuguese star and were lining-up a move for when the transfer window re-opened in January.
“Maybe this is why I look with more attention to the Premier League”.
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Wenger has kept huge faith on young Francis Coquelin in the holding midfield role, but with Flamini and Arteta not getting any younger, it remains to be seen whether the Arsenal boss is willing to spend big money on Carvalho next summer.
