Francisco Trincão has emerged as a potential summer target for Arsenal, with fresh reports in Portugal suggesting Mikel Arteta’s side have taken a keen interest in the Sporting CP winger.
While the links may carry a hint of agent leverage and contract drama, Arsenal are believed to have sent official scouts to observe Trincão multiple times this season — and with eight goals and 18 assists in 50 matches, the Portuguese international has done his part to attract attention.
A career revival in Lisbon
Once tipped to be one of Portugal’s next big exports, Trincão’s early career promised much. He made a high-profile switch from SC Braga to Barcelona in 2020, but struggled to establish himself at the Camp Nou and was loaned out to Wolves before joining Sporting CP permanently in 2023.
In Lisbon, he has rediscovered form and rhythm, becoming a consistent creative force under Rúben Amorim. His technical ability, one-on-one quality, and delivery in the final third have made him one of Sporting’s most productive players this season.
Arsenal’s involvement — real or recycled?
Friday’s edition of Record has splashed Trincão across its front page, claiming Arsenal are the standout Premier League side monitoring the 25-year-old. They report that the club have repeatedly sent scouts to watch him live and have made contact regarding a possible summer move.
It’s also claimed that Arsenal have offered a salary package worth €3 million per year after tax — a detail that seems deliberately planted with Sporting currently trying to negotiate a contract renewal. His existing deal runs until June 2027.
The report adds that two other unnamed Premier League clubs are involved, but Arsenal are the only side explicitly mentioned.
A familiar face for Arteta’s side
Trincão is no stranger to Arsenal. He featured against the Gunners during this season’s Champions League campaign, giving Arteta and his staff a close-up view of his current level.
Given Arsenal’s search for wide attacking reinforcements, the scouting makes some sense. But whether the Gunners are seriously considering Trincão or simply keeping tabs as part of broader due diligence remains unclear.
Smoke or substance?
While there’s no question Trincão has enjoyed a strong campaign, the timing and tone of the report — especially with contract talks underway in Lisbon — suggest this may be more about Sporting’s negotiation tactics than a true transfer push.
That said, with Arsenal linked to multiple right-sided forwards this summer and in need of depth behind Bukayo Saka, this is a name worth keeping in the background. If a deal for a marquee winger fails to materialise, Trincão could resurface as a more affordable Plan B.
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