On Monday, we covered reports from France which said that Arsenal would be preparing themselves to offer €15m for Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patrício.
As we said in our article, it was very likely the Portuguese press would have their take today, and they did not disappoint us.
The three big sports newspapers in Portugal have covered it, and the most interesting claims come from Record. They say that although Rui Patrício isn’t considered untouchable by Sporting, there’s no way Arsenal are getting him for such a low amount.
The player has a €45m release clause, and the Portuguese club will only sell for something close to this figure.
They also claim that Patrício is happy at Sporting, and would only leave for a ‘top club’ from a ‘top league’ who could guarantee him a starting spot.
So if Arsenal want Patrício, it seems he’s not available to be only a bench option. The club will have to invest serious money, and the player wants some guarantees. That would be a minor transfer becoming a considerable one.
