While much of the attention has been on whether Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will buy a striker before the transfer window bids goodbye for a few months on Monday, that has not quelled the need for the English Premier League club to bring in a defensive midfielder as well.
William Carvalho is the obvious candidate, with Arsenal heavily linked with a move for the Portugal international. However, while that possible transfer continues to stall, Wenger has looked at other options, including the likes of Luiz Gustavo, Morgan Schneiderlin and the Bender brothers Lars and Sven.
Another name that has been added to that list is PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi, with Arsenal reportedly making a £28 million bid for the France international.
The news apparently came out from L'Equipe's Twitter account, but no evidence could be found, with the story also not visible on the newspaper's website. So, it does look like this might be a rumour that inevitably crops up as the transfer window winds down.
It is highly unlikely that PSG will want to let go of Matuidi, even for £28 million, with the midfielder, who is not your typical defensive anchorman, anyways, only earlier this year, signing a new four-year contract.
Therefore, Carvalho remains the likely option, with Wenger keen to add some bulk and defensive nous to his midfield. The Portuguese has been on Arsenal's radar throughout the summer, and recent reports have suggested Sporting Lisbon have reduced their asking price to a more reasonable £24 million from the earlier £37 million.
Asked about a possible transfer to Arsenal, Carvalho did what most players do, stay quiet and let time tell its tale. "I have a contract and I feel good at Sporting," he told reporters after Sporting's 1-1 draw with Benfica on Sunday where he played the entire 90 minutes. "I have nothing more to say."
It is widely believed that Sporting have made the player available for sale, but only if any interested club meets their asking price. If reports of the Portuguese side reducing their demands are indeed true, then Wenger should not have too many problems in sealing the transfer.
That is, of course, if he deems the reduced asking price to be worth paying.
