After two years of loan at OGC Nice, fullback Ricardo Pereira is set to return to Porto. The Portuguese club have decided they want the player in the squad as soon as possible, as reported by A Bola today.
But despite the Dragon’s plan to have the 23-year-old for next season, interest from English sides could change it all. A Bola claims Arsenal and Liverpool are the ‘most persistent’ clubs in the chase for the player, and as always it’s said they have enough money to take him.
Currently with a €25m release clause, Ricardo Pereira’s contract runs until 2019. Porto’s idea is to give him a new deal this summer so they can increase the price.Liverpool’s interest was first reported by the English media, and even taken with a bit of surprise by the Portuguese papers at the time.
Arsenal were linked in January, leading Arsene Wenger to deny interest.
But A Bola’s information seems to be fresh this time. So considering Porto’s plans for the next season, clubs could be making a smart move by getting the player at €25m.
The figure would be no problem for either Arsenal or Liverpool, and with both clubs expected to strengthen at fullback, this could be one to keep an eye on.
