Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to reports in the Portuguese media.

The Uruguayan international impressed while playing against the Gunners in the Europa League and it is believed Mikel Arteta’s side sent scouts to see him play again versus Juventus last Thursday.

Ugarte has been on Tottenham’s radar for a number of months but it appears that they will face competition from their North London rivals for the player’s signature.

The 22-year-old is believed to have a €60m (£53.5m) release clause, which would need to be triggered if Arsenal want to secure his services this summer.

Ugarte is very much in the mould of a traditional holding midfield player. He has not scored this campaign but he has picked up 14 bookings and one red card. He would likely be in direct competition with Thomas Partey for a place in the starting eleven if he does move to the Emirates.