Arsenal is very close to signing a player from Sporting CP for £33M this summer. Arteta wants to sign him himself because he wants him for the Champions League
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally wants to sign Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon in the summer transfer window, according to a report in the Portuguese medial.
Mikel Arteta wants Manuel Ugarte at Arsenal
O Jogo have reported that Arsenal manager Arteta really likes Ugarte and wants the Gunners to get a deal done for the defensive midfielder.
Arteta was impressed by the midfielder when Arsenal took on Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Europa League last month.
The Gunners sent a scout to watch the 22-year-old Uruguay international midfielder in action for Sporting against Juventus in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening.
According to O Jogo, Ugarte has a release clause of €60 million (£53.55 million) in his contract at Sporting.
Our Verdict: Summer transfer could happen
In our view, Arsenal could be able to sign Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon in the summer transfer window.
Leaving Sporting for Arsenal, who could end up as the Premier League title winners this season, would be a step-up for the youngster.
And Sporting do sell their players.
Now, of course, the Gunners will have to pay Sporting €60 million (£53.55 million) in transfer fees for the 22-year-old.
If Arteta really wants the youngster, then Arsenal could well decide to pay it.
Or maybe Arsenal could come to an agreement with the Portuguese club over paying a lower fee.
Ugarte has made 23 starts and three substitute appearances in the Portuguese domestic league for Sporting so far this season.
The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has also played six times in the UEFA Champions League and four matches in the UEFA Europa League this campaign.
