Arsenal’s second bid for Joelson rejected by Sporting

Arsenal’s second bid for Joelson Fernandes has been rejected by Sporting Lisbon, according to Portuguese media outlet A Bola via Sports Witness. 

The Gunners are committed to signing the 17 year old who is the latest graduate of the famed Sporting academy that has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Luis Figo and Ricardo Quaresma. Joelson has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The North London club’s first bid of £18 million for the player was rejected by the Portguese club. We still don’t know how much the second bid was but it was well below the young attacker’s £41 million buyout clause. Sporting are hopeful that the player’s release clause will be triggered but the Gunners are aware of the Portuguese club’s need for capital and are trying to get the best deal possible.

It is understood that Arsenal are in constant touch with Joelson’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, as they look to seal a move for the 17 year old. Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also interested in the player. Reports suggest that the German club have also had an £18 million bid for the player rejected by Sporting. 

If Arsenal feel like Joelson is close to a move elsewhere, they are reported to be willing to trigger the Portuguese attacker’s buyout clause to guarantee the signing.