However, according to Portuguese outlet CM Jornal, that may now be in jeopardy.
They claim that Arsenal have now waded into a battle that includes United’s Newcastle and Manchester, as well as Liverpool.
And there’s good reason for so many top-level suitors being alerted. Inacio has a release clause of around £39m, which Sporting have been trying desperately to increase. But with no luck on that front, they’ve reportedly now reluctantly accepted the he will leave.
From the player’s point of view, this looks like good news. The Portugal international is said to be ‘ready to take the leap to the Premier League.’ One way or another, it seems like Inacio is off.
Inacio set to make Premier League choice
In theory, Arsenal’s interest in Inacio shouldn’t impact too much on Liverpool’s own bid to sign the centre-back.
The presence of a release clause means Sporting can’t use multiple club’s interest to play them off each other. There will be no bidding war here.
That’s probably more beneficial to Liverpool than the other clubs mentioned. We know how little the Reds enjoy competing against other sides with back-and-forth offers.So, instead, it would seem that if Liverpool really do want Inacio, they’re going to just have to convince him.
Without a clear spot in the team should he join, that may not be easy. But looking at the four clubs CM mention, perhaps only Newcastle could really offer that straight away.
Then again, the Magpies’ do already have Sven Botman as a left-footed centre-back. They could play with two, but that’s a rare sight in football. More than likely they won’t really be after another, not as a starter anyway.
As a result, we back Liverpool’s chances as being as good as any of their rivals. They reportedly really want a left-footer in there next season, and Inacio could be perfect for that. With Arsenal set to sign Jurrien Timber, maybe they’ll back off.
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