Joelson Fernandes has agreed a new contract with Sporting Lisbon after the Portuguese giants rejected a number of offers from Arsenal, according to A Bola.
Sporting fans must dread the day when the transfer window opens.
Because, in the seven months since losing the talismanic presence of Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United, The Lions have taken up a permanent residency in the gossip columns of the European press.
Midfielders Wendel, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Fernandes have all been linked with Premier League clubs, while rampaging left-back Nuno Mendes is also attracting admiring glances from all corners of the continent.
But, while Sporting could still lose the odd key player to a Wolves or an Everton before the window slams shut, at least they can still count on perhaps the most exciting teenage talent in Portuguese football.
A Bola claims that Joelson Fernandes is about to put pen to paper on a new deal which would keep him at the Estadio Jose Alvalade to 2025.
His release clause will rise from £40 million to £55 million, with Sporting ensuring that their prized asset is protected by a mammoth price-tag.
The report adds that Arsenal have seen a number of bids rejected for a wonderkid winger compared by many to a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal in July made it clear that they would have no concerns about triggering Joelson’s £40 million clause (A Bola).
With the thrilling young forward now valued at £55 million, however, any lingering hopes that he would end up at the Emirates have surely gone up in smoke.
The cash-strapped Gunners are still negotiating a deal for Gabriel Magalhaes, with reinforcements also required in attack.
This really isn’t the summer to pay £55 million for an unproven teenager.
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