According to reports from The Metro this afternoon, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are preparing bids for long-term Arsenal and Manchester United target William Carvalho.
The Portugal prodigy has been linked with a move to a top European club for some time, with Arsenal and Manchester United particularly keen on the midfield enforcer; who claimed the Player of the Tournament award at this summer’s U21 European Championship.
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It’s claimed the Gunners have already tabled a £28.5million bid this summer whilst Red Devils gaffer Louis van Gaal requested weekly reports on Carvalho’s progress last season – although it remains to be seen whether United are still interested after securing deals for Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
But according to The Metro, the Premier League duo now face sizable competition in the race for the 6 foot 2 enforcer’s signature from Madrid rivals Atletico and Real.
This Is Futbol documented Los Blancos’ interest last month as Sami Khedira headed for Juventus, and The Metro’s report suggests they’re now ready to make a formal offer – as are fierce rivals Atletico.
Carvalho’s contract is known to include a £32million release clause; but whether any of the four interested parties are prepared to activate it remains to be seen.