Arsenal ‘intend’ to offer a loan deal with a “mandatory purchase option” for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, according to Jornal de Noticias.

The Gunners are known to be keeping tabs on the Portuguese international, who has a €60m (£52m) release clause, but his current price tag means signing him on a permanent basis next month is unrealistic.

Financial Fair Play restrictions mean that Mikel Arteta’s side won’t have any funds to sign new players during the January transfer window.

They were forced into loaning David Raya back in the summer as they were in danger of breaking FFP rules so they would need a similarly creative solution if they want to bring in Inacio as well.

Inacio’s club are open to loan deals

It should be pointed out that Sporting did accept a similar offer from Tottenham for Pedro Porro last January. Spurs paid a €5m loan fee for the Spanish right-back before completing his purchase for €40m at the end of the season.

That means that Arsenal may be successful if they propose an initial loan too, as long as they promise to buy him in the summer.

Arsenal will have competition for Inacio

Manchester United are known to be in the market for a new centre-back, with journalist Fabrizio Romano having stated that Inacio is one of four players that the Red Devils have shortlisted.

Liverpool and Newcastle have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the 22-year-old, but there are no guarantees that they will make a bid next month.

Arsenal could steal a march on their rivals by securing Inacio on loan. Some supporters may feel that reinforcing the backline is not a priority, with many wanting a new striker to be signed instead, but it would still be a big coup if the London club manage to secure the signature of one of Europe’s best young centre-halves.