Arsenal and Man Utd have been told to pay the release clause or forget about signing reported target Vitinha this summer.
The Premier League duo have been linked with a move for the FC Porto star this summer, with both keen on bolstering their midfield options ahead of the new campaign. The Red Devils need replacements for Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, with the pair having departed this summer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add more bodies in the centre of the park having not yet managed to find a natural partner for Thomas Partey. Vitinha could potentially be an excellent candidate for that role having enjoyed a productive season in Liga NOS.
The Portuguese scored four goals and notched five assists for Porto last term as they claimed the league title as well as the Taca de Portugal. The club’s president Pinto da Costa has confirmed that a bid has already been lodged for the 22-year-old but has instructed any interested party that only the midfielder’s release clause - reported to stand at £35m - being paid in full will be enough to tempt them into a sale.
Speaking to the press, he said: “There was a concrete offer, of considerable value, for Vitinha that we did not accept. And we refered them to the release clause, which is only way to take our player.”
The Portuguese currently has two years left to run on his contract at the Estadio do Dragao having been part of the club’s system for over 13 years. Intriguingly, Vitinha has already had an experience of Premier League football.
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He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on-loan ahead of the 2020/21 season. He made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Black Country outfit - scoring a stunning goal in a slender FA Cup victory over non-league Chorley.
Wolves did have the option to make his move to Molineux permanent but elected not to activate that clause, a decision that they might live to regret just a year later with considerable interest in his services. Current Porto boss Sergio Conceicao praised Vitinha for his performances for the Portuguese giants in what was a triumphant campaign.
He said: “It’s normal that people see Vitinha standing out with his assists or ball recoveries. He’s in excellent form. He’s a fabulous player, with technique and quality, he’s improved his long-range passing, and the timing of when to release the ball. At the moment he is a complete midfielder. We have a player whose presence fills the pitch.”
Whilst the young Portuguese star has been rumoured to be under consideration by both the Red Devils and the Gunners, they could be set to compete for further targets this summer. Ruben Neves has long been linked with each club, whilst Leicester star Youri Tielemans looks likely to be on the move this summer having also been noted to be on both club’s transfer shortlist.
