Now that the Champions League hurdle has been cleared, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger can turn his focus back to the transfer market, with William Carvalho coming back into the picture again.
Arsenal could use a presence in midfield, and Wenger has admitted he is open to bringing in a defensive screener to help his side out.
Carvalho has been the man that has been linked heavily with Arsenal for that particular role, with Arsene Wenger apparently even seeing a £24 million turned down by Sporting Lisbon.
However, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, that £24 million bid might now well be enough, with Sporting reducing their demands as they look to generate some funds.
If Wenger did indeed make a £24 million bid for Carvalho earlier in the summer, then the manager, especially after guiding his side through to the Champions League group stages for the 17th consecutive season, should have no qualms in returning with the same offer again.
Carvalho is highly-rated in Portugal after a standout season, and at 22, the midfielder can only get better. The fact that the Portugal international can also fill-in at centre-half will be another added advantage, with Wenger a big fan of versatile players.
Also, if Wenger can complete a move for Carvalho ASAP, the manager will possible be able to turn his attentions towards signing a new striker, after Olivier Giroud's serious ankle injury.
The Arsenal striker will miss the rest of the calendar year with the ankle problem, and Wenger, even if he might not admit it to the media, will want to strengthen that position in the best possible manner.
Completing a move for Carvalho quickly will be the ideal situation for the manager, giving him enough time to test the striker transfer market, with the likes of Loic Remy, Edinson Cavani, Radamel Falcao, Jackson Martinez and Danny Welbeck all linked.
