The 22-year-old is one of the best centre-backs in the Portuguese top-flight and he has been touted to leave Sporting soon.

The Gunners are one of the clubs interested in his services, but they are currently not in a position to afford him.

With plans to bring in a new striker, the club are unlikely to trigger the £52m release clause in his contract next month.

Instead, they are planning to propose a loan deal for Inacio with an obligation to buy after certain conditions are met.

Tottenham Hotspur signed Pedro Porro in a similar kind of deal from Sporting and the Gunners are eyeing the same route to land Inacio.

Inacio is said to be interested in making the move to the Premier League, but won't force an exit against Sporting's wishes next month.

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