William Carvalho Reportedly Set for Sporting CP Exit Amid Arsenal Rumours

William Carvalho is reportedly set to leave Sporting CP this summer, and Arsenal have been tipped as possible buyers.

According to Portuguese publication Jornal de Noticias (h/t Sport Witness), the midfielder is "on the verge" of a departure from the Lisbon giants and any potential suitors would have to part with a fee of €40 million (£35 million).

The Gunners are noted as a potential destination for the Portugal international. Sport Witness said Carvalho has long been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, as well as other Premier League clubs.

Carvalho has remained at Sporting despite incessant exit rumours. Nevertheless, his stock remains high, and he's regarded as one of the finest footballers in the Portuguese top flight.

Portuguese football journalist Jan Hagen believes this summer may be the one that sees Carvalho finally move on to a bigger European club:

Sporting have endured a turbulent end to the campaign, triggered by the decision from president Bruno de Carvalho to suspend 19 players after the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final.

As noted by the Guardian, the players were called "stupid" by the president in a Facebook post, before the 19 in question released their own statement expressing "disgust with the president's public statements," adding, "he is supposed to be our leader."

Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

In response to the players' message, De Carvalho said the Sporting stars would be suspended and face disciplinary action. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a big surprise if some huge names were moved on at the end of the season.

Carvalho may feel as though the time is right to take another step in his career, too, having been loyal to Sporting for so long. 

In his time in Portugal, the 26-year-old has often looked like a force of nature, as he's composed and powerful in the middle of the park.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com show, the ball is like a magnet to Carvalho at times:

There are questions over his mobility, but the Sporting man reads the game well, is astute at cutting off passing avenues and uses the ball efficiently.

There's no doubt Arsenal lack presence in midfield, especially in the form of a defensive shield. Granit Xhaka has been inconsistent since arriving, while Mohamed Elneny can be effective but could definitely be upgraded.

The club's former striker Kevin Campbell believes it is an area they could improve in the upcoming transfer market:

Given his age, quality and experience, Carvalho would potentially be a fine addition. Next to an energetic midfield partner, like Xhaka, you could see the Portuguese being effective in the Premier League.

However, a summer of seismic shifts is in store at Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger set to leave the club at end of the campaign after 22 years. Their recruitment strategy will surely be defined by the manager that comes in to replace him.