Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio during the course of the season, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo (page 8).
The Portuguese is one of the best young centre-backs in the Primeira Liga and he has been touted to pursue a bigger challenge for some period of time.
Inacio was linked with several Premier League clubs last summer, but he signed a new contract which increased his release clause from €45 million to €60m.
This has not ended speculation over his future. O Jogo claim that he is being watched closely by several English clubs including Arsenal ahead of the summer.
The 22-year-old is anticipated to represent Portugal at Euro 2024. It is claimed that his performances at the tournament could raise further interest from England.
Arsenal should sign Ousmane Diomande instead of Inacio
Arsenal currently have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as undisputed starters at the heart of the backline. There is no fierce competition for places at the moment.
Ben White is seen as a regular right-back by manager Mikel Arteta. It is the same case with Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has played in both full-back positions for the club.
Jakub Kiwior has yet to impress when offered the opportunity in central defence.
Jurrien Timber was signed last summer to provide competition, but he got himself injured in the curtain-raiser and is only expected to return during the season run-in.
In our opinion, Arteta may want a second set of central defenders to compete with Saliba and Gabriel. In that way, he can rotate his options without any drop in quality.
Inacio has been linked for some time and he could be seen as an initial deputy for Gabriel as he is left-footed. However, we would prefer the club to sign Diomande.
Diomande has a better passing accuracy than Inacio this term (91 to 89 per cent). He has won a higher number of duels too – a success rate of 64 per cent compared to Inacio’s 52.
The defender is also two years younger than his teammate. Diomande has a higher release clause of €80m, but he would represent a more valuable signing with his better potential.
Stats from Sofascore.com
