Matheus Pereira is keen for Tiago Tomas to stay at Sporting Lisbon despite reports claiming the forward is heading to Arsenal, as he told O Jogo.
While Pereira has been forced to leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in order to make a name for himself in the professional game, establishing himself as West Brom’s creative kingpin after a fine spell at Nurnburg, Tomas is already a key part of Sporting’s first team plans.
The 18-year-old has featured in every one of the club’s Primeira Liga fixtures this term, with Ruben Amorim’s side cruising towards their first domestic crown in two decades.
According to the Sun, Arsenal are closing in on a deal that would see Tomas swap Lisbon for London in a deal worth £20 million; some 18 years after the Gunners famously missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United.
But, when asked whether Tomas would benefit from a move to the Premier League, Pereira insists that the teenager should not rule out staying put for a while yet.
“(I’ve heard) good things about him. But I hope he stays to help Sporting,” said the West Brom play-maker.
The Sun reports that Arsenal were impressed by the way Tomas went about his business in Sporting’s vital 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Benfica recently.
Sporting director Edu is apparently in talks with Sporting counterpart Hugo Viana, with the Portuguese league leaders expected to cash in on the striker for far less than his £52 million release clause.
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