Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are all interested in signing Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, according to AS.

The Spanish publication believes all three clubs hold a serious interest in the Portuguese international but Sporting won’t let him leave unless certain conditions are met.

Ruben Amorim’s side are demanding that teams “must pay” €45m (£39m) for Inacio, with the fee being deposited upfront “in a single payment”.

Reports in Portugal had suggested that the 21-year-old had a release clause, and while AS themselves don’t explicitly state the existence of the buyout fee, their article indicates that the conditions for a transfer are very similar.

Do Arsenal need a player like Inacio?

On the face of it, you wouldn’t think that the Gunners would need to bring in another centre-back. In addition to William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Rob Holding, it is likely that Jurrien Timber will be snapped up from Ajax too.

However, both Timber and White are likely to play most of their games at right-back, while Holding is expected to leave the Emirates this summer, so there could be space for Inacio.

Another way Inacio could be used

There is also the possibility that manager Mikel Arteta wants to play Inacio on the left-hand side of defence, considering he is predominantly left-footed.

If Timber is being used as an inverted fullback on the right side, Inacio could tuck in to make it a three-man backline when Arsenal have possession.

Considering the Gunners also have someone like Kieran Tierney at the club who could play that role, though, it may be the case that a move for Inacio will only be considered if the Scottish international leaves the London club . Reports have suggested that Newcastle could be a potential destination while there have been links about a loan switch back to Celtic.