William Carvalho is once again being linked with a move to the Premier League as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal weigh up a move for the Real Betis midfielder, as reported by Calciomercato.
When the Christmas cards start appearing on the shelves of WH Smiths, when the first warbling cries of Mariah Carey come piping through your radio, when William Carvalho returns to his rightful place in the gossip columns, that is how you know the festive period is approaching.
It’s an annual tradition these days.
From Everton to West Ham, West Brom to Wolves, barely a year goes by without Carvalho being linked with at least one Premier League club.
No one should be surprised to see the 69-capped Portugal international at the centre of a speculation storm again, although the identity of his alleged suitors may raise an eyebrow or two.
Is William Carvalho finally on his way to Europe?
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are interested.
But while the Gunners appear to be well-stocked in central midfield, look a little closer and things are not quite as secure as they seem.
It is no secret that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is not exactly thrilled with his back-up role, while all the signs suggest that Mo Elneny will be on his way out the door come January.
Assuming both Maitland-Niles and Elneny bid farewell in early-2022, that leaves the currently unavailable Granit Xhaka, the inexperienced Albert Sambi Lokonga and the injury-prone Thomas Partey as the only deep-lying midfielders at Arteta’s disposal.
Carvalho was expected to leave the Estadio Benito Villamarin over the summer but, after the likes of Norwich City balked at his £40,000-a-week wages and a reported £18 million price-tag, the former Sporting Lisbon enforcer has kick-started his Real Betis career, starting six of the club’s last eight La Liga matches.
Perhaps Arsenal will attempt to strike a short-term loan deal from January to July, similar to the one that saw Martin Odegaard arrive from Real Madrid nine months ago.
Interestingly, Carvalho admitted back in 2015 that Arsenal were his favourite Premier League team, naming Thierry Henry as his idol (Express).
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
