Arsenal have reportedly ‘prepared an offer’ for Sporting Lisbon’s Joelson Fernandes as the club look to overhaul their squad with a new focus on Arteta’s long-term vision.
At just 17 years of age, Fernandes has already attracted interest from a host of European clubs despite the fact the winger is yet to make a single senior appearance in his career.
The Gunners are looking to get a head-start on their transfer negotiations by identifying a list of players that will be achievable signings depending on where they finish in the Premier League table.
According to reports emerging from Portugal’s publication, Record, Arsenal are set to put together an offer for Fernandes that would tempt the youngster to make a switch to the Emirates.
What makes this story interesting is the fact that Fernandes is managed by Kia Joorabchian, the super agent who also looks after the likes of David Luiz and Cedric Soares.
It’s believed Joorabchian already has a great relationship with the Arsenal hierarchy and believes his close ties with the club will help get this deal over the line.
Sporting Lisbon are reluctant to lose their star man and want to extend his contract, knowing how much the Portuguese will one day be worth.
However, at just 17 the winger already has a staggering £40m release clause, something that would make this deal a little easier to complete should Arsenal have the funds.
It seems the ball could be in our court on this one with the added firepower of having an agent that likes working with us. As well as that, Fernandes is still learning his trade so the lack of European football next season wouldn’t be a complete put-off for a man of his capabilities.
A lot of our transfer business will have to come down to how we finish the season, but with the relaxation of FFP rulings over the summer, it’s anyone’s guess how much might be in our transfer kitty!