According to reports from The Express, William Carvalho’s contract talks at Sporting Lisbon have hit a significant stumbling block.
The Portugal international is widely regarded as one of world football’s most exciting prospects, having claimed the Player of the Tournament award at last summer’s U21 European Championships – where was watched by scouts from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs.
The Gunners are believed to have seen bids rejected for Carvalho during the last two transfer windows, whilst reports in September alleged Liverpool and Chelsea could both make offers in January.
Speculation over a Premier League move seemed set to be put to rest last month, upon news that the 23-year-old had entered discussions over a new contract with Sporting Lisbon – with his current deal set to expire in summer 2018.
But it appears talks have hit a stumbling block over the issue of Carvalho’s release clause. It currently stands at £31million, according to The Express, but the Portuguese outfit want to increase it to £42million whilst extending the midfielder’s contract until 2020.
There’s still every chance Carvalho and his club will come to a compromise. But if the dispute remains unresolved by the time the January transfer window opens, we could see a bid from one of the 13-cap international’s Premier League suitors.