Tiago Tomas: Things to know about the Portuguese striker

When Sporting CP produce a talented young player, the rest of the world tends to take notice - and that is exactly what is happening in the case of 18-year-old striker Tiago Tomas.

A graduate of the same academy that has produced Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo among countless others, Tomas' emergence in the first team has put a number of major sides on notice, and reports suggest Arsenal are interested in a deal.

But who is he and what is it about him that has the transfer rumour mill working overtime? 90min have taken a look.

1. Sporting rate him

Ever since he arrived in Lisbon from the Estoril academy at 12 years old, Tomas has been very highly rated at Sporting.

So much so that in the summer, when he had only made five appearances for the club, he was handed a lucrative five-year deal, with a reported release clause of £52m.

He scored six goals in 37 games in all competitions last season, and while it's not a prolific return...take his age into account.

2. He is, actually, 18

Despite the fact he looks about 45 and plays like an old fashioned target man, Tomas is actually just 18.

All sources seem to agree he was born on 16 June 2002. At least he probably won't need to worry about his drivers licence for getting into those London bars.

3. European experience

If there's one thing you have to get used to at Arsenal, it's playing in the Europa League.

Well, maybe in 2022/23.

But luckily enough, Tomas is already well acclimatised.

His first two goals for Sporting came in Europe's secondary competition earlier this season. He netted against Aberdeen in the third qualifying round and against LASK in the playoff.

4. Already a winner

They say winning is a habit and it's one Sporting are getting Tomas into early on.

He has winners medals in his trophy cabinet already, having helped his side to the Taca da Liga, in which he started the final against SC Braga.

Sporting also sealed the Liga NOS title too for the first time in nearly two decades, with Tomas playing his part.

5. The Ronaldo connection

Initial news of Arsenal's interest initially came from The Sun, whose report notes that the Gunners' failure to land Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting back in 2004 is part of what is driving the deal.

It's alleged that they are still kicking themselves for missing out on one of the greatest players ever, and don't want to risk making the same mistake with Tomas.

Is that actually true, or is it just The Sun making connections that aren't there for #narrative reasons?

Does it matter?