Arsenal Transfer News: William Carvalho and Nolito Double Boost for Gunners

Portugal star William Carvalho has spoken of his admiration of Arsenal and has told his country's press he desires to one day represent the club if he moves to the Premier League from Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Tom Sheen of the Independent) quoted the midfield powerhouse speaking about his ambitions in football and saying his love of Thierry Henry has given him an affinity with the Gunners:

"

I am where I want to be right now, which is Sporting, but if I ever do leave then it's a sign that my work here was well done, I dream of winning the Primeira Liga here. 

I prefer not to say too much, but there is a club with which I’ve always been fond of: Arsenal. Because of Thierry Henry, a player with whom I have always enjoyed watching. Maybe this is why I look with so much affection to the Premier League.

"

Darko Bandic/Associated Press

Sheen reported manager Arsene Wenger has had an eye on the 23-year-old for some time, bidding £20 million for the defensive midfielder in each of the last two summer transfer windows but ultimately failing to get his man.

Carvalho was named as the best player at the recent European Under-21 Championship, according to Miles Chambers of Goal, and his deal with Sporting runs until the summer of 2018.

Portugal national team coach Fernando Santos recently commented on Carvalho's long-term future in the full international side, saying he "counts" on his talent, as relayed by football writer Tom Kundert:

Carvalho suffered a fractured tibia in the summer, reported by Goal's Gill Clark in July, sidelining the player for a number of weeks, but he remains a monstrous presence in the middle of the park.

Nolito 'Keen' to Join Gunners

Celta Vigo star Nolito has reportedly turned down an emotional return to Barcelona and has his heart set on a move to Arsenal in the summer. 

Football website Fichajes (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) claimed the Spain international is prepared to "snub" the Camp Nou giants and is ready for a Premier League adventure under Wenger.

Bellshaw said: "Nolito is aware of Arsene Wenger’s interest in him and would prefer to move to the Emirates where he feels he would be an important part of the team."

Nolito's star billing has rapidly increased in recent times, scoring five goals in seven appearances in La Liga this term, per WhoScored.com, also providing three assists. 

However, Twitter user Sergi Dominguez said the player is due to sign a new deal with Celta in light of his recent form:

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Both Carvalho and Nolito would be great additions to Arsenal, adding further depth to Wenger's outstanding midfield options.

Nolito is an experienced professional who has developed late, but at 28, he might not be a long-term option for Arsenal.

However, Carvalho could develop into the best defensive midfielder in the world in the next few years, and if the Gunners could tempt him sooner rather than later, he will give the north London team a tactical element they have missed since the departure of Patrick Vieira a decade ago. 

Wenger needs a midfielder who can sit and destroy play, with Carvalho being an option after the club missed out on the opportunity to sign Morgan Schneiderlin last summer, per Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star.