Arsenal linked with £24m swoop for Sporting Lisbon midfielder

Arsenal are preparing a £24million bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, according to O Jogo.

The Gunners are on the hunt for a defensive midfielder this summer and have already shown an interest in Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin and Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.

However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is now reportedly making a move for Sporting's Carvalho.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, becoming a regular for Sporting and making his international debut. His displays attracted firm interest from Manchester United.

Carvalho's release clause is said to be around £35m, but Arsenal are hoping that the offer of £24m, in one single payment, will persuade Sporting to part with their star midfielder.

Exclusive - Chelsea should have kept Cole and Lampard, claims ex-Blues boss

Avram Grant believes Chelsea have made a mistake by letting Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard leave the club..

The former England duo both departed Stamford Bridge on free transfers this summer, with Cole joining Roma and Lampard agreeing a move to New York City FC.

The former West Ham midfielder has, subsequently, agreed a loan switch to Premier League rivals Manchester City, who own the new MLS franchise.

And former Blues boss Grant claims the 36-year-old, along with Cole, could have benefited the west London side.

“Chelsea could have used both Lampard and Cole for one or two more years,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “They are still in good shape.

“You need a big squad because Chelsea are playing in all the competitions.

“They could have used them like John Terry. You need young and experienced players in your squad.”