Report: Arsenal abandon Joelson Fernandes hunt with teen sensation set for new Sporting contract

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Arsenal’s apparent interest in Joelson Fernandes will come to nothing, according to reports this weekend. 

This comes a little over 24 hours after it seemed that Arsenal were closing in on this exciting deal. 

A Bola reported over the weekend that the player, tipped as the next Cristiano Ronaldo by those at current club Sporting Lisbon, had held talks with Arsenal this week. TVI24 then claimed that Fernandes would not sign a new deal at the club if it contained a proposed €70 million (£64m) and that Arsenal were ready to swoop with a £13.5 million deal.  

However, it appears Arsenal will not be getting their man.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Arsenal have cancelled plans to fly out to Portugal to tie up a deal as they do not have the necessary budget to sign the teenager. This was despite claims he would miss the local derby with Benfica to undergo negotiations. 

TalkSPORT is now reporting that Fernandes is expected to sign a new deal with Sporting, ending Arsenal’s interest in his services. 

Arsenal’s interest, which appeared to be being helped by their relationship with super-agent Kia Joorabchian appears to have simply run aground due to financial constraints, something Gunners fans might have to get used to going into the summer. 

Fernandes will now look to continue thriving for Sporting and Arsenal will no doubt be disappointed to have missed out on such a talented player.