Arsenal are reportedly close to securing the signing of Sporting Lisbon striker Tiago Tomas for a fee of around £20 million. The 18-year-old has made a significant impact this season, regularly featuring for a Sporting side that remains unbeaten and sits atop the Primeira Liga.
According to *The Sun*, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu has been in direct talks with Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, regarding the deal. Edu scouted Tomas during Sporting’s recent match against Benfica, who the Gunners are set to face in the Europa League next Thursday.
Although Tomas signed a new contract in June 2020 with a release clause of £52 million, the current financial situation and Sporting’s recent spending may lead the club to accept a lower offer, potentially as low as £20 million.
Edu has reportedly emphasized to the Arsenal board that passing up the opportunity to sign Tomas could be a mistake, drawing a parallel to the club’s near-miss with Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Manchester United from Sporting after Arsenal came close to signing him under Arsène Wenger.
Tomas has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
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