Father of Joelson Fernandes says Liverpool and Arsenal made summer bids

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Liverpool and Arsenal both tried to sign Sporting Lisbon youngster Joelson Fernandes during the summer transfer window, according to an interview with the player’s father by Guinean outlet Journal O Democrata e Midia.

It is claimed that Arsenal went all out with a bid of £17 million for the young winger, whilst Liverpool held meetings over a £2.7 million transfer.

The report claims that the player’s father wasn’t keen on discussing terms with other clubs, due to his desire to see his son sign a new contract with Sporting Lisbon.

In the piece, Fernandes’ dad said: “It was an extremely difficult and very complicated process.

“Because there were tough moments in the negotiations for Joelson Fernandes to stay at Sporting.

“My wish was always for him to stay at the club, but due to his quality as a footballer, he had called form several European clubs.”

It is also claimed in the article by the player’s relative that Jurgen Klopp wanted to sign him as an alternative to Sadio Mane.

Despite his tender years, Fernandes has played four times for Sporting Lisbon and looks like having a bright future.

Arsenal clearly believe he’s going to be some talent and were so desperate to land him that they offered £17 million for his services.

TBR View – Premier League clubs might have to move quickly in January

Fernandes looks like being a sought-after player during the next couple of windows.

The report also claims that Manchester City, PSG, Ajax and Barcelona are all monitoring the exciting talent.

It does seem wide of the mark that Liverpool would have viewed a 17-year-old talent as a backup to Mane, especially when they spent such a sum on Diogo Jota.

Arsenal would perhaps be an interesting move for the player, with Mikel Arteta extremely willing to give younger players a pathway to the first-team.

With some of the continent’s biggest clubs now alert, however, both Liverpool and Arsenal might need to move quickly if they are still keen to add Fernandes.