ARSENAL have reportedly joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for Sporting Lisbon’s 18-year-old Nuno Mendes.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports the North London club are the most interested Premier League side in the player.
Nuno Mendes is attracting Premier League interest
The Gunners face competition from AC Milan for the Portuguese starlet, with the Serie A side reportedly launching a bid worth £13.5million.
But Sporting are understood to be holding out for a much bigger sum – something that could derail Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of the left-back.
With Mendes contracted until 2025, Sporting are not forced to sell up.
And are waiting for any interested party to activate the defender’s £40.5m release clause before he is allowed to leave.
Although they may accept a slightly lower fee, clubs are currently way off their lofty valuation of the Portugal youth international.
Arsenal are looking to sign a back-up for Scot Kieran Tierney.
As Bosnian hard man Sead Kolasinac looks set for a move back to Schalke after expressing his desire to ‘go home’.
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Mendes can also play at centre-back and his versatility will be a great asset within the Arsenal squad as the fixtures pile up.
He impressed after making nine senior appearances for Sporting in 2019-20 and is considered the best left-back in Europe for his age group.
Liverpool were thought to have made contact about a move for the player earlier in the window.
But Jurgen Klopp opted to instead sign Greek ace Kostas Tsimikas for £12m.
While United are showing some interest in purchasing competition for Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams at left-back.
And a deal would be made easier by the fact Mendes is believed to be represented by Miguel Pinho – Bruno Fernandes’ agent.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
