Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Sporting CP’s in-form winger Francisco Trincão next summer, according to CaughtOffside.
After difficult spells in both Spain and England, Trincão has rediscovered his best form back in Portugal following underwhelming periods with Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The winger first rose to prominence at S.C. Braga, where his displays earned him a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2020. His time in Catalonia failed to unfold as expected, however, with the Portuguese attacker managing only three goals and two assists across 42 appearances before heading to Wolves on loan.
His experience in the Premier League proved similarly disappointing, as he again registered just three goals in 30 outings during his two-year loan spell with the Midlands side.
Back in Portugal, Trincão has successfully rebuilt his career. Following an impressive initial loan period, Sporting activated the option to sign him permanently in the summer of 2023.
Since then, the 25-year-old has made more than 200 appearances and contributed 97 goal involvements, including 30 this season, playing a major role in the recent success enjoyed by the Leões.
It’s no surprise that CaughtOffside reports that Trincão’s performances have piqued the interest of several clubs, particularly in the Premier League, including Arsenal.
Arsenal face Liverpool & Chelsea battle in Trincão race
The report adds that the North Londoners are now closely monitoring the Portuguese international ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
However, with a contract that runs until 2030, CaughtOffside reports that Sporting have inserted a £51m release clause in his contract and are not under pressure to sell Trincão amid interest from Arsenal.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, the Gunners will have to battle Chelsea and Liverpool, who have both expressed interest in signing the 26-year-old next summer, the report adds.
Arsenal need a consistent, reliable playmaker who is also a goalscoring threat, as Martin Ødegaard has spent much of the campaign sidelined due to injury.
Eberechi Eze has been a good buy this summer and has impressed whenever called upon. Still, there remains a clear need for another option, and Trincão’s profile makes him a good fit to add more dynamism to Mikel Arteta’s attack.
With Chelsea and Liverpool also showing interest, Arsenal will need to act swiftly to complete the deal as the transfer window fast approaches.