Long-term Arsenal target drops biggest hint yet about joining the Gunners

Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho has put Arsenal fans on alert after admitting to his love of the north London outfit.

Speaking to A Bola in Portugal, the 23-year-old said: "I prefer not to say too much, but there is a club with which I’ve always been fond of: Arsenal. "Because of Thierry Henry, a player with whom I have always enjoyed watching. Maybe this is why I look with so much affection to the Premier League." Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the Portuguese international, who would likely cost between £25m and £30m according to various estimations. The Arsenal manager's interest seemed to cool following the emergence of Francis Coquelin last season, but he could see Carvalho as a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta or Matheiu Flamini. Still, it doesn't look like he'll be making a January move, saying: "I am where I want to be right now, which is Sporting. "But if I ever do leave then it’s a sign that my work here was well done. I dream of winning the Primeira Liga here."