Arsenal are close to completing the signing of Sporting Lisbon forward Tiago Tomas for a deal worth around £20m, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has broken into the first team with the Portuguese side this campaign and has played regularly for the team who are currently unbeaten at the top of the Primeira Liga table.
According to The Sun, sporting director Edu has been in contact with Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana over the deal to sign Tomas while scouting the player during their game against Benfica.
The player only recently signed a new deal at the club in June 2020 which included a release clause worth £52m.
But, due to the current financial climate and Sporting’s spending over the last couple of years, it is believed that the Portuguese club could accept a deal as low as £20 million.
Edu has also told the Arsenal hierarchy that he believes they would regret missing out on such a talented player in Tomas, after Arsene Wenger came close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting before his move to Man United.
Tomas has played 25 matches in all competitions so far this campaign, scoring five goals and providing a further three assists.
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Speaking to the Liga Portugal Instagram account last month, Tomas revealed he was realising a ‘dream’ playing for Sporting’s first-team this season.
‘It’s been a dream come true and I’m very grateful,’ the attacker said. ‘I’m so happy to have got here but I’m here because of the hard work I’ve done in training.’
On his relationship with Sporting manager Amorim, Tomas said: ‘It’s a privilege for me. ‘He was the one who launched me and I just have to say thank you.
‘It has been great for me and for the youngsters in the squad. We have done a good job and he is helping us a lot.’
