Arsenal have made contact with Sporting Lisbon about signing Tiago Tomas, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
The teenager, who has been linked with a move to the Gunners over the past couple of months, was reportedly available for around the £20m mark.
However, things have now changed with Sporting now saying they won’t listen to bids unless an offer comes close to Tomas’s €60m (£51.5m) release clause.
The Portuguese club’s financial situation has improved as they have guaranteed Champions League football next season after winning the Primeira Liga title.
With Tomas having only signed a new contract last year as well, it means they are in a very strong position if they want to keep the 18-year-old at the club.
Arsenal are unlikely to have the funds to match Sporting’s demands, with reports suggesting they need to sell before they buy, so it’s probably wise to write off this potential transfer.
