Arsenal ‘join Liverpool and Man Utd in race’ for Sporting Lisbon’s Nuno Mendes
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Arsenal have reportedly made a clear signal of intent to Sporting Lisbon that they wish to sign full-back Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old has been attracting interest from across Europe, with Liverpool and Man Utd among the clubs monitoring Mendes.
Portuguese publication O Jogo report The Gunners have shown the most interest of the Premier League trio though, with their sternest competition coming from AC Milan.
Milan have even lodged a bid for Mendes’ services worth €15million (£13.5m) including a percentage of any sell-on fee in the future.
However Sporting are demanding much more than that for the left-back, which is proving the big obstacle for Arsenal.
(Image: Getty Images)
Mendes has only recently signed a new contract with Sporting which runs until 2025.
The Portuguese club are therefore under no pressure to sell, and are requesting for any potential suitors to activate the €45million (£40.5m) release clause in the defender’s contract if they wish to sign him.
They would likely accept a lower fee but their valuation is some way off that of interested clubs, particularly as Mendes has not even reached double figures in senior appearances yet.
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He has represented Portugal at every age group from under-16 to under-19 though.
His versatility is also a bonus too, as he can play at centre-back as well as on the left.
Liverpool were already said to have made enquiries regarding the teenager in the summer as they sought back-up for Andy Robertson, but instead opted for £11.75m signing Kostas Tsimikas.
Do Arsenal need another left-back? Have your say below.
(Image: Global Media Group/Sipa USA)
Jurgen Klopp was brought to the attention of his talents when Liverpool met Sporting in a pre-season friendly last summer.
It seems Mendes is pretty happy at Sporting anyhow- at least for now.
Upon penning his new deal back in June he said: “This contract extension proves that this club believes in me and I believe in this club.
“We will remain together for many more years to come.”
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