Report: Arsenal to make William Carvalho bid

Arsenal are reportedly close to making an offer for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

The 22-year-old is said to be on Arsene Wenger's radar, having been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this summer.

It appears that the Gunners will make the first move for the Portuguese international, as Wenger looks to add a defensive midfielder to his ranks.

According to O Jogo, Sporting could be willing to accept a £24m bid from Arsenal, despite Carvalho having a £37m release clause in his contract.

Arsenal are thought to believe that by offering the fee as one lump sum, instead of instalments, they could convince Sporting to do business.

The North London side reportedly had a £24m package rejected by Sporting last month.