Arsenal will be looking to approach Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho in the January transfer window, as the Portuguese outfit could be looking to cash in on the defensive midfielder after their exit from the Champions League in the group stage, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners continued their good form in the festive season, as they took their chance to climb up the Barclays Premier League table by beating West Ham United at Upton Park. The match was set for an exciting derby and an opening goal for the visitors from the penalty spot was tucked in by Santi Cazorla after the Spanish attacker was brought down in the box by Winston Reid. Arsenal stepped on the gas as Danny Welbeck doubled the lead just before half time, giving his side some breathing distance. West Ham came out flying and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate gave the home side a glimmer of hope after the interval, but the Arsene Wenger’s men hung on for a crucial three points. The win not only puts them above West Ham in the table, but also brings them closer to Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, all three of whom dropped points on the day.

Carvalho began his career with Sporting as a youth player, and represented Portugal in the World Cup in Brazil this year. The 22-year old can also function as a centre back, and would help Wenger with defensive options.