William Carvalho is wanted by Arsenal. (AFP/Getty Images)
William Carvalho is wanted by Arsenal. (AFP/Getty Images)

Sporting midfielder William Carvalho wants to join Arsenal after rejecting the chance to move to China, according to reports in Portugal.

A Bola have reported that Arsene Wenger wants to secure a deal for the Portugal international before the World Cup begins next summer.

The Gunners face strong competition from the Chinese Super League as Tianjin Quanjian, who are managed by former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa, are also interested.

But a new report from A Bola on Saturday has claimed that Carvalho is not interested in a switch to the Far East and is intent on making the move to Arsenal.

Carvalho has a £40m buyout clause. (Getty Images)
Carvalho has a £40m buyout clause. (Getty Images)

The 25-year-old has a €45 million (£40m) buyout clause in his current contract with Sporting.

But Arsenal are hoping that a bid of €40m (£35m) will be enough to land the midfielder.

Carvalho has already expressed his desire to join Arsenal, when the Gunners were linked with a move two years ago.

Carvalho will reject the chance to move to China. (Getty Images)
Carvalho will reject the chance to move to China. (Getty Images)

‘There is a club with which I’ve always been fond of – Arsenal,’ the midfielder said in 2015.

‘Because of Thierry Henry, a player with whom I have always enjoyed watching.’

West Ham also wanted to sign Carvalho in the summer but failed to agree a fee with Sporting.