Arsenal have opened talks with Monaco regarding a deal to sign Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho in January, according to reports in the Daily Express.
Moutinho is expected to depart the French principality club in January after becoming frustrated with the Ligue 1 side, as he was angered in the summer by the decisions to let Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez leave the club.
A big part of Moutinho’s future was whether his side managed to secure progress into the next round of the Champions League, which they clinched last night, but even that isn’t enough to assure his future with the French giants.
Arsenal are believed to be long-term admirers of the talented 28-year-old, who is also said to be attracting the attention of Chelsea and Manchester United as he wants a switch to the Premier League.
Monaco would be looking for around £30m for the Portuguese star and they will use the funds to sign cover for Lacina Diarra, who is leaving in the New Year to compete in the African Cup Of Nations.
Moutinho’s agent Jorge Mendes is stated to have contacted Arsenal, and other interested parties, regarding a deal for his client, who looks likely to end up being one of the big movers in the next transfer window.
However question-marks would be raised by Arsenal’s intention to sign another attacking player for a hefty fee, when real work needs to be done to strengthen the defence.