Sporting Lisbon have rejected a £24m bid from Arsenal for their in-demand midfielder William Carvalho, reports Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

The Portuguese international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this year, but most talks have centered around a potential move to Manchester United.

Now Arsenal look as if they are ready to enter the race for Carvalho having contacted Sporting Lisbon to open the bidding at £24m.

However, Sporting officials are reportedly holding out for his full release clause of £37m.

Carvalho seemed to be a top Manchester United target while David Moyes was in charge but with Louis van Gaal, Arturo Vidal seems to be top of the wish list at Old Trafford. Both are very similar players, tough-tackling defensive midfielders. Arsenal and Manchester United are equally as desperate to strengthen that area of the squad.

The 21-year-old represented Portugal at the World Cup this summer but was unable to help his side progress through the group stages. He is under contract with his current club until 2018.