Arsenal are reportedly ready to match the €45 million release clause for Joelson in order to steal march on the likes of Barcelona for the Sporting CP wonderkid.
According to Portuguese publication A Bola, Joelson Fernandes should be getting ready to acclimatise himself with the weather in London. The report states that Arsenal are prepared to meet the player’s €45 million release clause and beat the likes of Barcelona and Juventus to land the Sporting CP star.
The report states that Arsenal are desperate not to lose out on another young talent to Barcelona or Juventus and are ready to move quick to wrap up a deal for Joelson Fernandes. So much so that the Gunners are willing to shell out a hefty €45 million to secure Joelson’s signature.
Arsenal are sure to have a depleted transfer budget, thanks to the lack of Champions League and probably, European football as well for the upcoming season. Mikel Arteta, though, still wants to add to his attacking options and a quick, explosive and young talent like Joelson might just be the right ingredient for the concoction Arteta is trying to create at Arsenal.
Joelson has done well this season in Liga Revelecao, which forced Sporting to give the 17-year-old a chance in the senior squad. The attacker has appeared four times for the first-team setup this season, amassing a total of 64 minutes. Nevertheless, Joelson became the youngest player to represent Sporting CP and the talent is there for all to see, especially with Barcelona, Juventus and Arsenal taking a keen interest.
Meet ?? Joelson Fernandes (17), the youngest ever player to represent @Sporting_CP. ?
Younger than even CR7. ?
That confidence on the ball can’t be taught. ? pic.twitter.com/5SBqvDTNr4
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) July 19, 2020
Barcelona are set to go on another attacking overhaul. But, this one might have more on the line, especially with an ageing Luis Suarez and an attack that has been overly dependent on Lionel Messi this season. Ousmane Dembele is already on the transfer list while a move for Neymar is a distant dream, given the financial troubles caused by the temporary suspension of football.
Joelson, though, has similarities to the Brazilian in terms of his explosiveness and dribbling ability. All of 17, the attacker has plenty of time to improve on his direct contribution.
Juventus seemed to have tweaked their transfer strategy of late and tried to invest more in potential than proven talent, perhaps keeping in mind the financial pros and cons of signing a player like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sporting CP are reportedly not in a mood to negotiate and won’t have to, by the looks of it. With Kia Joorabchian and Joelson’s father, Eusebio Mango Fernandes, taking charge of the negotiations, Arsenal would be hopeful of getting a deal in place soon.
