ARSENAL have reportedly lodged a £13.6million bid for Sporting Lisbon winger Joelson Fernandes with the teenager seeking a move away.
The 17-year-old – who has featured four times for the senior side this season – could follow Bruno Fernandes in making a switch to the Premier League.
Dubbed the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’, the Gunners are keen to secure the services of the exciting forward.
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SunSport reported in June how Arsenal were keeping tabs on the player, who is also being chased by LaLIga giants Barcelona.
And according to Portuguese news channel TVI 24, the North Londoners have stepped up their interest and have submitted a formal offer.
They state that they are hoping a £13.6m offer will be enough to convince Sporting into accepting.
Fernandes – who is tied down at the club until 2022 – is said to be unwilling to commit his future to Lisbon.
And Record via Football.London claim that Fernandes’ agent Kia Joorobchian – who has close links to Arsenal – will speak to Sporting next week to continue contract talks.
Funds are said to be limited for Mikel Arteta should his side fail to qualify for the Europa League next season.
But Fernandes is seen as an attractive option for the Spaniard with Sporting to potentially cash in on the player for a small fee.
Commenting on his future after being linked with a move away, Fernandes last month admitted: “It is very flattering and I think it represents the value of my work.
“I did not look at that alleged interest very much, I am happy where I am and fighting to achieve my dream, which is to play for Sporting’s first team.
“Nobody has told me about this extension offer yet. Besides, I try not to think about these things too much. I just want to play football.”
