Sporting Lisbon reject Arsenal’s £18 million bid for Joelson
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Sporting Lisbon have rejected an £18 million bid from Arsenal for Joelson Fernandes, according to Portuguese media outlet A Bola.
The Gunners are very keen on signing the latest graduate of the famed Sporting academy that has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Luis Figo and Ricardo Quaresma. The 17 year old made his first team debut less than two months ago and has made four appearances since then. He has been dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese club believe the bid they have received falls well below what they expect for the player. He has a £41 million buyout clause and Sporting do not want to sell unless the release clause is triggered.

The North London club are aware of Sporting Lisbon’s delicate financial situation as well as the difficulties they have faced in trying to get Joelson, who has two years left on his current deal, to sign a new contract with them. The Gunners are aiming to use this to their advantage and sign the player for a fee that is lower than his buyout clause.
Arsenal representatives and Kia Joorabchian, the player’s agent, are expected in Lisbon this week and it is believed they will make another offer for Joelson Fernandes.