Arsenal transfer rumour: Gunners keen on Sporting midfielder William Carvalho

Arsenal have turned their attention to signing Sporting midfielder William Carvalho, reports the Evening Standard.

Arturo Vidal had an impressive season with the Turin club, which has seen him being linked with a move away from the Serie A winners. According to the Spanish publication Cadena Cope, the Gunners had sealed the deal for the Chilean international.

Arsene Wenger had dismissed reports that the north London club was making an approach for the Juventus midfielder. Wenger is not interested in Vidal as the South American was never a target for him.

The Arsenal manager is an admirer of Carvalho and wants to secure his services to strengthen his side's midfield. The 23-year-old has been quite impressive for Portugal as they have reached the final of the European Under-21 championship.

Carvalho and Bernardo Silva have been key players for Portugal in their midfield and their ability to dominate was showcased during their side's 5-0 crushing victory over tournament favourites Germany.

Arsenal were interested in signing Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who is closing in on completing a move to Manchester United, reports the Mirror.

Wenger has already sent his scouts to watch Carvalho closely in action in the ongoing European Under-21 championship. Any move from the Gunners will see them face competition from their league rivals.

The Daily Mail claims United are also in the race along with a host of other clubs from England and across Europe. Meanwhile, Red Devils winger Nani had earlier backed him to make a switch to the Premier League.

The United winger spent the last season on loan at Sporting and played alongside Carvalho. He has urged Louis van Gaal to make an approach for his compatriot.

"He is a great player. He has a lot of quality. I think at the end of this season he will be prepared to play in the Premier League. I think if Manchester United are interested it's a good chance," Nani said in February.