Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Tiago Tomas from Sporting CP to ensure they don’t repeat the mistake they once made with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal were infamously close to signing Ronaldo before he moved to Manchester United. They came to regret it, as he went on to become one of the best players in history.
It was possibly the most high-profile chapter of a lengthy series of ones that got away for Arsenal. Now, it appears that they may have learnt their lesson many years on.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are close to signing Tomas, who plays for Ronaldo’s former club Sporting.
Tomas is an 18-year-old forward who made his senior debut for Sporting in July. This season, he has started eight games in the Portuguese top flight and made a further 10 appearances as a substitute.
From those games, he has provided two goals and one assist. Tomas has added a further three goals in cup competitions.
With his potential becoming clear, The Sun claim that Arsenal negotiator Edu is in contact with Sporting counterpart Hugo Viana to discuss a deal for the player.
Tomas signed a new contract with Sporting in the summer, containing a £52m release clause. However, financial pressures may force Sporting to sell for around £20m.
Tomas has come to Arsenal’s attention during their preparations for their Europa League game against Benfica next week. Earlier this month, Sporting beat Arsenal’s upcoming opponents 1-0, in a game in which Tomas played 74 minutes.
He did enough to impress Arsenal even though they were mainly there to watch their opponents.
Now, Tomas may be able to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
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Talks underway for attacking target
Tomas is not the only attacking player that could be on his way to north London in the next transfer window.
One winger who was on Arsenal’s radar in January has admitted that talks are underway for him to move to the Premier League.
However, it has not been mentioned whether or not Arsenal are the club in question.
If it is someone else, though, the update may at least prompt the Gunners to consider firming up their own interest.
The post Edu makes contact for forward available for £32m discount as Arsenal aim to avoid repetition of Ronaldo mistake appeared first on teamtalk.com.
Samuel Bannister
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