Arsenal is reportedly keeping a close eye on Sporting Lisbon’s talented defender, Goncalo Inacio, but the Gunners are unlikely to make moves in the January transfer window. Despite injury challenges, especially in defense, Mikel Arteta is content with the current defensive options. The team’s significant summer spending on players like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz has influenced their decision to maintain squad stability.

While prioritizing reinforcements at the back in the summer, 22-year-old central defender Inacio is under Arsenal’s watch. Inacio, a rising star in the Primeira Liga, made his Sporting debut in October 2020 and has earned a spot in the Portugal national team. Sporting has set a £52m release clause in his contract, valid until June 2027. Other top clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, are also interested, but Sporting expects to retain Inacio until at least the summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s injured players are eyeing returns, with Tomiyasu and Partey targeting the FA Cup third round against Liverpool on January 7. Timber, recovering from an ACL injury, hopes to participate in Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Porto in mid-February.

Here is the highlight video of the defensive skills of Goncalo Inacio.

Gonçalo Inácio

This season he played in total 14 times for 1118 minutes for Liga Portugal.

Gonçalo Inácio scored 1 goal for Sporting CP. He procured no assists. He received 6 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Liga Portugal. In the last match Sporting CP won 2-0 against Porto.

Sporting CP performance and stats

Sporting CP is currently 1st in the Liga Portugal with 34 points.

In the last 14 games, it has won 11 times, drawn once, and lost twice. In its last match, Sporting CP won 2-0 against Porto.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 30 goals and conceding 15.​