Arsenal could move for Portugal international midfielder

Jason Soutar
Arsenal target William Carvalho dribbles with the ball

Arsenal ‘have looked at’ the possibility of signing Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, according to reports.

The Gunners are slightly short in midfield after the long-term injury to Granit Xhaka, so an extra body in the middle of the park could be ideal for Mikel Arteta.

Furthermore, Thomas Partey struggled for fitness last season and Albert Sambi Lokonga is low on Premier League experience.


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That leaves Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Elneny as the only other central midfield options. Martin Odegaard can operate in a deeper position, but he is more of an attacking-minded player.

As a result, Arsenal are eyeing up a move for Carvalho, claim Fichajes (via Sport Witness).

The Portugal international has become a crucial player for Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini this season.

The report claims the ‘Premier League calls’ for the player, but his improved form with the Spanish side has made a potential move a ‘great obstacle’.

Despite the Gunners being in the running for Carvalho’s signature, Fichajes add that his departure is ‘difficult to think about’.

Meanwhile, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is eyeing a “starting role” for England at next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The 23-year-old is yet to make his debut for England but he was part of the squad at this summer’s European Championships.

The 2022 World Cup takes place next year between November and December. As reported by The Athletic, Ramsdale suggested that he is hoping to be England’s number one at the tournament:

“Me and the Mrs were going to go on holiday and go and chill,” Ramsdale said.

“The next thing you know, I’m in the squad, I’m fully part of it and it was some of the best weeks of my life. I keep saying it was a great lad’s holiday. That’s just the team spirit we had, and we were just a few kicks away from achieving something great.

“It’s just added momentum and hunger to do well in the World Cup and hopefully I can be a part of that again and hopefully that’ll be to do with a starting role.”