Arsenal have reportedly made an improved offer for Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder William Carvalho. The news comes after Arsenal apparently had a £20 million bid rejected by the Portuguese outfit, who rate their man as one of the best at the club, and won’t allow him to leave for under £37 million.

The 23-year-old William Carvalho is currently under contract with Sporting until 2018 has been on Arsenal’s radar for at least one year. He looks like the key transfer everyone is waiting for Wenger to make, especially as the deep-lying midfield position is one that fans feel the club need to bolster.

Negotiations were dropped as the Portuguese club asked for a fee of around £40m for the midfielder, as the price could not have been justified at the time. However it now seems as if Arsenal are willing to give it another try and make a new offer for Carvalho.

Carvalho, who despite being so young, has become one of Sporting’s most experienced and reliable players, could be allowed to leave if Arsenal offer a ‘player + cash’ deal, as the Portuguese side are looking to strengthen their attack.

The powerhouse began his career with Sporting as a youth player, and represented Portugal in the World Cup in Brazil last year. He is also playing currently in the Euro u21’s for Portugal, as an overage player. The 23-year old’s appetite for the game is immense and he would certainly fit right in at the Emirates. Another advantage is that he can also function as a centre back, and would help Wenger with defensive options.