Arsenal are said to be making a deal to sign Tiago Tomas from Sporting CP to make sure they don’t repeat the mistake they once made with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal were sadly close to signing Ronaldo before moving to Manchester United. They came to regret him because he became one of the best players in history.
It was perhaps the most high-profile chapter in a long line of those who escaped Arsenal. Now it looks like they learned their lesson many years later.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are set to sign 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 10 more appearances as a substitute.
From those games, he provided two goals and one assist. Tomas added three more goals in cup competitions.
With his potential becoming clear, The Sun claim Arsenal negotiator Edu is in contact with his Sporting counterpart Hugo Viana to discuss a deal for the player.
Tomas signed a new contract with Sporting this summer, containing a £ 52million release clause. However, financial pressures may force Sporting to sell for around £ 20million.
Tomas has caught Arsenal’s attention in preparation for their Europa League game against Benfica next week. Earlier this month, Sporting beat future Arsenal opponents 1-0, in a game where 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 Emirates Stadium this summer.
Tomas is not the only attacking player who could be on his way to north London in the next transfer window.
A winger who was on Arsenal’s radar in January has admitted talks are underway to move him to the Premier League.
If it’s anyone else, however, the update may at least prompt the Gunners to consider firming up their own self-interest.
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