Liverpool are trailing Arsenal in the battle to snap up Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, according to A BOLA.

The Portuguese tabloid claims the Gunners have positioned themselves to “win the race” for the 22-year-old’s signature during the January transfer window.

It is believed that the Reds were lining up a move for Inacio after Kostas Tsimikas broke his collarbone at the weekend. With Andy Robertson also sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, manager Jurgen Klopp is very light of options on the left-hand side of defence.

While Inacio may ostensibly be a centre-half, he is left-footed and, considering that Trent Alexander-Arnold plays as an inverted fullback, it does make sense to sign someone who can tuck in on the opposite flank.

Inacio has a sky-high valuation

There are arguments for and against making a bid for Inacio next month. Not only could he cover at left-back, but he could potentially be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

However, it must be said that Robertson is closing in on his return to fitness. On top of that, A BOLA claim that Inacio won’t be sold for below his release clause. With his buyout fee set at €60m (£52m), bringing in the Portuguese international would be very costly.

Arsenal’s presence complicates matters for Liverpool

With Sporting reportedly refusing to compromise, competition from one of the Reds’ Premier League rivals will likely harden their current transfer stance.

It has, though, been claimed that Arsenal won’t be able to pay Inacio’s buyout clause due to fears of breaking FFP rules. Mikel Arteta’s side are said to be exploring a solution whereby they would sign the defender on an initial loan deal before securing his services on a permanent basis next summer. It’s possible that Liverpool could offer better terms than that.

Watch a preview of Liverpool’s plans for the January transfer window on Shots!TV here