Sporting CP left Joelson Fernandes out of their squad on Saturday, with Arsenal representatives planning to travel to Portugal for transfer talks early next week.

A Bola (via Football.London) report that Joelson Fernandes is out of the Sporting CP squad for their match against Benfica on Saturday night, despite featuring in the squad for their last seven games, amid rumours of talks with Arsenal.

According to the report, Joelson’s agent Kia Joorabchian and Arsenal representatives will travel to Portugal on Monday or Tuesday of next week, aiming to meet with Sporting officials for further transfer talks.

The player reportedly has a €45m release clause in his current deal to 2022, which Sporting are trying to extend. However, they aren’t having any luck. They may have to sell at a reduced price this summer to avoid developing him just to lose him for free.

With that in mind, Arsenal are reportedly offering €15m. Whether this is enough to convince the Portuguese club to sell isn’t clear. Presumably, we’ll know more after these talks next week, assuming they’re really happening.

The move certainly fits with Arsenal’s recent philosophy of bringing in at least one talented teenager every summer. Two years ago it was Matteo Guendouzi. Last summer it was Gabriel Martinelli. Now, it could be Joelson Fernandes.