Arsenal register interest in Man Utd, Newcastle and Liverpool target; €45m bid required to win battle

 Arsenal have reportedly entered the race for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio, who is a target for Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his defensive options as he prepares for Champions League football next season.

Now, the manager could look to bring in Inacio, who is considered to be one of the best young defenders in Europe.

This is according to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness) who claim that Arsenal are the latest Premier League club to register an interest in the 21-year-old.

Last season, Inacio made 33 league appearances for Sporting. In the process, he helped his team to 13 clean sheets, as well as scoring one goal.

A versatile player, the Portugal international also has the ability to play as a left-back. So, he could be a potential replacement for Kieran Tierney at Arsenal, who looks set to leave. 

Inacio has a €45m (£38.6m) release clause in his contract with Sporting. Therefore, the Gunners would have to match that fee in order to get a deal done.

However, as mentioned, they face stiff competition for his signature.

Indeed, as previously reported by Football365, Man Utd, Newcastle and Liverpool all have Inacio on their radar. Although, Man Utd are the least likely to make a bid of the Premier League quartet.

But, it’s worth noting that Arsenal are currently prioritising a move for another defender.

That is Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber, who, ironically, has also been linked to Man Utd in the past.

Recent reports suggest that the Gunners have agreed terms with the Dutch club and will pay £36.2m for the in-demand defender.

So, barring any late twists, Timber will make the switch to the Emirates this summer. And now, it remains to be seen whether Arteta will look to bring in any other defenders.

Last season, Arsenal’s centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba was key to their success.

However, when Saliba picked up an injury towards the end of the campaign, his absence played a big role in them missing out on the Premier League title.