Arsenal 'close to completing £20m deal for Tiago Tomas'

Arsenal are reportedly close to completing the signing of Sporting Lisbon striker Tiago Tomas for a deal worth around £20m.

The 18-year-old has broken in the first team with the Portuguese giants this season and has played regularly for a side currently unbeaten and at the top of the Primeira Liga table.

According to The Sun, sporting director Edu has been in direct contact with Sporting's director of football Hugo Viana over the deal to sign Tomas while scouting the forward during their match against Benfica, who the Gunners are to face in the Europa League next Thursday.

The youngster only recently signed a new contract in June 2020 which included a release clause worth £52m.

However, due to the current financial climate and Sporting's spending over the last few years, it is understood that the Portuguese club could accept a deal as low as £20m.

Edu has also stated to the Arsenal hierarchy that he believes the club would regret missing out on such a talented player in Tomas, after former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger came close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting before his move to Manchester United.

Tomas has made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign, scoring five goals and providing three assists.