Arsenal and Man United suffer blow in bid to sign highly-rated midfield star (Video)

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Barclays Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their attempts to sign highly-rated midfielder William Carvalho, Sky Sports reports.

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The young Portuguese star has been linked with a move to England in recent weeks, but his new manager at Sporting Lisbon Jorge Jesus has ruled out a switch this summer:

“William is a certainty. Sporting has young people who are already certainties, are not hopes or doubts. William will be enhanced if the team is also,” Jesus told Portuguese media outlet SIC.

“Only players value the team respond to winning titles. He’s a player with features to play more. I have no doubt that with me will play more,” the Lisbon manager added.

Carvalho was hugely impressive for the national side during the Euro U21 tournament this summer as he produced brilliant performances against England and Germany en route to the final, although his penalty saved in the shootout against Sweden which cost Portugal the game.

However, that had not put off the Gunners, who are reportedly on the market for a new midfielder and have been tipped to sign the 23-year-old for more than a year now.

Last summer, a move was thought to have broken down due to the two clubs failing to agree on a fee [via Independent Sport], but manager Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen in that department ahead of the new season and was reportedly planning to return with an offer during the transfer window [via Telegraph Sport].

But with news that Sporting intend to hold on to their prized asset, it is likely to force the Frenchman into seeking alternative transfer targets and he has been linked with a host of central midfielders recently.

Juventus star Arturo Vidal is apparently high on Wenger’s wishlist and there has been rumours that a deal could be close to completion now that the 2015 Copa America tournament is over [via Metro Sport].

Meanwhile United, were also keen on signing Carvalho [via Mirror Sport] during the transfer window as manager Louis van Gaal looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title next year.

With Michael Carrick turning 34 before the 2015-16 campaign kicks-off, it’s clear a new central midfielder is required at Old Trafford and while that player may not be Carvalho, a move for Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin looks to be edging closer to completion.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman revealed the Frenchman missed training on Monday [via ITV Sport] and that has prompted speculation that the 25-year-old could soon be unveiled as a United player [via talkSPORT].

More Stories Arturo Vidal Michael Carrick morgan schneiderlin William Carvalho