Arsenal chiefs ‘flying to Lisbon to close deal for Sporting star Joelson Fernandes’

Arsenal appear to be closing in on their first summer signing as the club chiefs are flying out to Portugal to try and land Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Joelson Fernandes.

The 17-year-old has been turning heads after becoming the latest academy product of Sporting’s prestigious youth set-up – following the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Quaresma and Nani. 

Fernandes has started in every league match since the restart from the coronavirus pandemic but could already be on his way out and heading to North London, according to The Metro. 

Arsenal chiefs are flying out to Lisbon to close deal for Sporting wonderkid Joelson Fernandes

The 17-year-old has been turning heads and refused to hold renewal talks with Liga NOS club

Local reports suggest that Fernandes has now been dropped from the squad for Saturday night’s Lisbon derby with Benfica as talks are speeding up with the Gunners.

Representatives from Arsenal are due to fly out early next week in order to close the deal and secure the wonderkid’s signature.

The 17-year-old reportedly has a release clause of £45million and has refused to enter talks of a renewal with the Liga NOS club as that clause would have more than doubled.

There are conflicting reports as to whether Arsenal will pay release fee of £45m or £13.6m

Fernandes agent, Kia Joorabchian, has a close relationship with the Gunners, having recently helped David Luiz sign a new deal with the club and saw Cedric Soares head to the Emirates.

There have been conflicting reports from Portugal regarding the potential price tag for Fernandes. Newspaper A Bola have suggested that Arsenal are ready to pay the £45million release fee, whilst Portuguese TV Show TVI 24 have said that they will instead offer £13.6million bid that they expect to be accepted.

There have also been murmurs that Barcelona and Juventus are keen on Joelson, however, Arsenal appear to be front runners and are looking to get a deal over the line quickly.