According to Portuguese news outlet, TSF, Arsenal are strongly considering activating Joelson Fernandes’ €45 million release clause.
Sporting Lisbon were reportedly hoping to increase the forward’s release clause further with a new contract but an extension seems to be out of reach right now.
Joelson is highly rated in the Sporting ranks with plenty of clubs monitoring his progress. Of course, any forward coming out of the Portuguese outfit will draw comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo. The 17-year-old does have the pace, skill and attacking output to justify all the hype surrounding him.
He has been impressive at youth level for both club and country. Signing him so early would make him the prime successor to Aubameyang or Lacazette. Arsenal already have a spree of impressive attacking talents and they are clearly building for the future under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners spent £27 million to prize an 18-year-old William Saliba away from Saint Etienne and £7 million to bring in Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano FC. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah have become integral pieces of the senior side and developing well. Fernandes could add to the firepower of future stars but Arsenal do need to spend that sort of cash on proven stars.
There are still plenty of places the club needs to improve on and the attack is not it. Arteta clearly needs to address the lacklustre midfield and his vulnerable defence line. With funds on the scarce side, the Gunners will need to analyze their spendings very carefully, if there even are any this summer.
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