Arsenal ‘preparing bid’ for ‘technically gifted’ 22-year-old star in January

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Arsenal are reportedly preparing a bid for highly-rated Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

Mikel Arteta’s side boasts the joint-best defence in the Premier League this term with only 15 goals shipped while topping the charts for the least expected goals (xG) conceded.

Their strength defensively is down to the immovable wall of William Saliba and Gabriel, who have both formed an incredible partnership at the heart of the Gunner’s defence.

As such, the injury to Saliba towards the end of last season eventually cost Arsenal the title as the Frenchman was replaced by Rob Holding and Arteta was made to pay for not investing in that position.

This time around, however, the Spaniard has seemingly learned from his mistakes.

He brought in the highly-rated Jurrien Timber from Ajax who was supposed to provide quality depth, but after the Dutchman suffered a season-ending injury on his debut against Nottingham Forest, Arteta needs another reinforcement in January.

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Goncalo Inacio

As reported by Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal are preparing a bid to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

The 22-year-old has a £51.5 million release clause in his contract and the report claims that the club are making a move for the player but will need to pay that amount in full.

With the Gunners planning to firm up their interest in the coming weeks, there are question marks over whether they have the financial leverage to pull off such a deal.

That said, if Arsenal can navigate past financial fair play rules to land Inacio’s signature, they’d be getting one of the finest defenders in Portugal.

Goncalo Inacio could challenge Saliba and Gabriel

There is no doubt that Saliba and Gabriel have formed an unbreakable partnership that can guide Arsenal towards success.

However, an injury to one of their defensive stars could be detrimental in their pursuit of the title, unless they sign a quality back-up.

As seen last season, the Gunners capitulated when they were struck with the injury to Saliba and Arteta will be keen to avoid that happening again.

With this in mind, the Spaniard should consider pursuing a move for Inacio, who is one of the best young ball-playing defenders on the planet.

In the Premeira Liga this season, he ranks in the top 3% against his positional peers for progressive passes, top 5% for progressive carries and top 15% for pass completion, as per FBref.

Given Arteta relies on his defenders being able to pass and carry the ball out from defence, the “technically gifted” Inacio – as dubbed by journalist Antonio Mango – certainly ticks that box and some.