Arsenal to trigger defender’s £50 million release clause

Arsenal could move top of the Premier League table with victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. 

The Gunners currently sit second in the standings, just a single point behind leaders Liverpool who host Manchester United later on in the day.

Mikel Arteta’s side topped the table for much of last season before ultimately falling short and finishing as runners-up, and the Spaniard will therefore be keen to ensure that they go one better this time around.

With that in mind, it appears that the Gunners are set to make a move for a central defender in January.

As per A Bola via The Mirror, the North London outfit are set to trigger Goncalo Inacio’s £51.6 million release clause.

The Sporting CP centre-back has been in fine form of late and it appears that his performances have attracted interest from Arteta and those in charge of Arsenal’s recruitment.

Inacio is said to be a target for Arsenal

The 22-year-old is a product of Sporting’s youth academy and has now made more than 140 appearances across all competitions.

He has made 21 appearances so far this season, including six in the Europa League.

It is claimed that the London club are keen to bolster Arteta’s defensive options next month, and they will therefore make a move for the Portuguese centre-back in January.

The Gunners have looked far less convincing on the occasions when William Saliba has been absent over the past 18 months, and those in charge of the club are therefore hoping to bolster their defensive ranks.

Inacio’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but Arsenal will look to lure him away from Lisbon in the new year.