Chelsea to rival Arsenal for William Carvalho?

Chelsea could offer stiff competition to Arsenal in the pursuit of highly-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

The Portugal international has been constantly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent seasons, with the Gunners being his long-time admirers.

Sources now reveal that the 23-year-old had been the subject of interest from the Blues in the summer before he suffered a stress fracture in his tibia.

It is added that Jose Mourinho's side could make an offer of their own for the midfield enforcer and this could play spoilsport to Gunners' transfer plans for the New Year.

Carvalho has recently recovered from the long-term injury to take part in Sporting's league campaign.