Arsenal make approach for €60m winger as contract talks stall

Arsenal have reportedly made an approach for Sporting CP starlet Joelson Fernandes, prompting a delay in his contract negotiations with his current club.

Reports emerged recently that Arsenal are interested in Joelson, who made his senior debut for Sporting at the start of the month.

The 17-year-old is under contract until 2022, but Sporting have been trying to extend that to fend off interest from elsewhere. With comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, Joelson is likely to be in demand.

According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), Sporting have hit a roadblock in negotiations over a new deal for Joelson. The deal has been delayed due to an approach from Arsenal in recent days.

Joelson’s agent is Kia Joorabchian, who has close ties with Arsenal. And that could play a part in the teenager’s upcoming negotiations.

The report claims that talks will recommence in the coming days, following Arsenal’s enquiries. Joelson and Sporting have met an impasse over his release clause; the player wants to keep it at its present value, €60m, while the club want to raise it to €80m.

The two parties could find a compromise at €70m, A Bola claimed, but it looks more likely now that it will stay at its current price.

SPORTING OFFER NEW DEAL TO JOELSON

Sporting have offered Joelson €120,000-per-season from his new deal, which should last for five years. If he accepts the offer, then it would end Arsenal’s interest.

Barcelona, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are all also keen on Joelson. The latter have joined Arsenal in making a formal approach.

But if Joelson rejects his new contract offer, Joorabchian may push him towards Arsenal. The agent has already taken David Luiz and Cedric Soares to the Emirates Stadium recently.

Joelson has scored five goals and assisted two others in 28 league appearances this term.