Sporting reject Arsenal’s £29 million bid for Joelson

Sporting Lisbon have rejected Arsenal’s £29 million bid for Joelson Fernandes, according to Portuguese media outlet A Bola.

This is understood to be the second official offer made to the Portuguese club by the Gunners for the 17 year old. Arsenal had previously seen an £18 million bid for the player rejected by Sporting. The Portuguese club have made it clear that they will only sell Joelson if his £41 million release clause is triggered.

Arsenal are aware that Sporting Lisbon are feeling the financial effects of the coronavirus and require funds to operate in the transfer market. As a result, the North London club have been testing Sporting by making offers for Joelson that are lower than his buyout clause. 

The Gunners plan on presenting Sporting with a new offer for the 17 year old in the near future as they do not want to miss out on the player’s signature. They intend to submit a player plus cash deal to lure Sporting into accepting their offer, according to Paul Brown of the Daily Star.

Manchester City and Chelsea have recently contacted Kia Joorabchian, Joelson’s agent, and registered their interest in the player. The two clubs plan on meeting with the player’s representatives and Sporting Lisbon in the coming weeks.

Arsenal will hope that their strong ties with Kia Joorabchian will work to their advantage as they look to get this deal over the line but they will now face competition for Joelson’s signature.