As per a report from the Express, Arsenal are said to have submitted a formal bid for Sporting CP teenage starlet Joelson Fernandes.
A product of the Sporting youth academy, the 17-year-old Joelson Fernandes is currently playing in the Portuguese youth league and has scored five goals and assisted twice this season. The youngster primarily plays on the left wing and can also play as a striker.
Fernandes even made his first-team debut for the Portuguese giants earlier this month. He has notched up two senior appearances so far. The winger has represented the Portugal national team at U15, U16 and U17 levels.
While Arsenal are looking to sign the player, Sporting want Fernandes to sign a new contract with a huge release clause. The good performances of the player for both club and national youth teams has drawn interest and Sporting want to tie the player down for long and also insert a hefty transfer clause. (h/t Express)
Arsenal have been notably known for developing youngsters, helping them settle and integrate them into the first team setup. The likes of Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Cesc Fabregas are great examples.
Even in recent times, Arsenal have promoted the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock to the first-team, with all of them impressing.
And Joelson Fernandes is someone who can follow a similar path should Arsenal sign him. The 17-year-old has shown great promise in his burgeoning career. The promising starlet has shown his abilities for Sporting youth team, which has led to him break into the senior setup as well.
In fact, given the glimpses of promise he has shown, the youngster has drawn comparisons with another former Sporting CP youth product, none other than the legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been credited to have had a positive impact to youngsters during his time at Manchester City and now at Arsenal. And he can have the same effect on 17-year-old Fernandes.
Furthermore, Arsenal can be the perfect platform needed for the youngster do fulfill his immense potential. Hence, the Gunners should leave no stone unturned to sign the player.
