Arsenal have been drawn against Sporting Lisbon in the last 16 of the Europa League after the draw was made on Friday morning – and Tottenham could have handed the Gunners a boost for the tie, luring Pedro Porro to London.
The Europa League draw was made on Friday morning – with Arsenal travelling to Portugal on March 8 to take on the Portuguese champions. The second leg takes place a week later, at The Emirates. A tricky draw for Arsenal.
A team that have come down from the Champions League. A side that drew with North London rivals Spurs in The Capital, and actually beating Spurs in Portugal. Arsenal will have to be at their best to beat Ruben Amorim’s side.
But of course, that was a Sporting side boasting Spain star Porro. He was superb for Sporting during the first half of the season, earning a £40million move to Spurs. It significantly weakens Amorim’s side ahead of the Arsenal clash.
Tottenham could have handed Arsenal a boost in Europa League tie
Sporting do of course boast a number of other top-quality options. Manuel Ugarte in midfield, ex-Tottenham star Marcus Edwards and now, ex-Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin. The latter has joined Sporting to replace Porro.
But Porro, who has remained an unused sub in three of the four games he might have played for Spurs, is a big loss to a Sporting side compared to the one that played at Spurs. This term, he has had a hand in 14 goals in 26 games.
It is a huge signing for Spurs, is Porro. But what might not have been taken into account prior to Porro’s arrival at Spurs, is that his exit could now see Arsenal take on a weakened Sporting side. In fact, actually face Bellerin.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
