According to reports in Portuguese publication O Jogo, Arsenal will accelerate talks over the transfer of Joelson Fernandes with Sporting Lisbon.
However, Sporting will be looking for €100 million as they are confident of increasing his release clause, which currently stands at €45 million.
REPORT: Arsenal Accelerate Talks Over Joelson Fernandes Deal
Interest From Elsewhere
Although he hasn’t played for the first team this season, the left-winger has impressed in the U23’s and, as a result, has started to train with the senior players.
However, Arsenal are not the only club linked with the Portuguese youngster, originally born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. According to reports in Goal, the 17-year-old is also being monitored by Barcelona and RB Leipzig. However, they will also have to pay close to €100 million for the winger.
Sporting Wonderkids
Sporting Lisbon have a reputation for developing youngsters who have gone on to be successful in their careers. Arguably the biggest of the bunch is current Juventus player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been successful in some of the biggest countries in Europe and has been in the argument for being the best player in the world for many years.
Like Ronaldo, Nani moved to Manchester United from Sporting. He won numerous league titles whilst at the club and also won the European Championship alongside Ronaldo in 2016.
Luis Figo would go on to win eight league titles with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan respectively. He also won the Champions League in 2002 with Madrid.
Finally, although Ricardo Quaresma was most successful in the Portuguese league, it wasn’t with Sporting, but with Porto after a failed year at Barcelona. In recent years he has plied his trade in Turkey, playing for Besiktas and Kasimpasa.
Options Already in That Position
Although Arsenal have options in that position, nobody has really nailed it down this season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have played there on ten occasions this season, scoring seven goals. Another option is Mesut Ozil, however, reports claim that Arsenal are looking to offload the German this summer.
The Gunners also have a number of youngsters who have played as a left-winger this season. Gabriel Martinelli has played there nine times this season, scoring three goals. Bukayo Saka has been used as a left-back and left-winger this season, becoming a first-team player in the process. Finally, Reiss Nelson has also played a few games in this position this season.
COVID-19
Although Arsenal are hopeful of bringing in the winger, spending restrictions due to COVID-19 could be in place due to loss of income that the club may have experienced during this time, therefore ending any interest the club may have in the player.
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