Arsenal Rumors: Gunners Found Key Factor To Close Deal For 'New Cristiano Ronaldo'

Arsenal is reportedly gaining confidence in signing a player dubbed as the “new Cristiano Ronaldo” after learning that the club has a strong connection with his agent.

Mikel Arteta’s side has been linked to a move for Sporting Lisbon rising star Joelson Fernandes, who is already being tagged as the new Ronaldo. The 17-year-old youngster’s career path even seems to resemble that of the Portuguese icon’s.

Fernandes is under contract with Sporting CP until 2022. But upon noticing his potential, it has been said that Sporting is now looking to extend Fernandes’ contract to fend off interest from top-tier clubs.

However, according to Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola (via Teamtalk), Premier League giant Arsenal has reignited its interest in the sensational teenager. The report revealed that Arsenal and Sporting have been communicating about Fernandes’ situation. However, talks have been paused because of the delay on the part of Arsenal.

All of that seems to have been buried in the past as the Gunners reportedly found a strong link that could see them landing Fernandes in the future.

Fernandes has a release clause amounting to €60 million ($68.4 million), and it is said that he wants to keep his value as it is. However, Sporting wants to raise it to €80 million ($91.2 million). But both parties may find a compromise at €70 million ($79.8 million), the report said.

Fortunately for Arsenal, while Fernandes’ price tag is yet to be finalized, Daily Express reported that the Gunners could have leverage on the possible deal. The report stated that Fernandes’ agent, Kia Joorabchian, who has close ties with Arsenal, could play a part in the teenager’s upcoming negotiations.

Arsenal’s director of football, Edu, is also reportedly close friends with Joorabchian. Another factor that could contribute is Joorabchian’s company, Sports Invest UK, which happens to represent David Luiz and Cedric Soares, the pair who had just agreed to new deals with Arsenal.

Adding more glitter to Fernandes’ promising future is the fact that he has already broken one of Ronaldo’s rare records.

Since his professional debut with Sporting in 2002, Ronaldo held the title of the Lisbon club’s youngest player for nearly 18 years. This record was broken on July 1 when Fernandes, at 17 years, 4 months and 3 days old, made his professional debut for the Portuguese club. Ronaldo was 17 years, 8 months and 2 days old when he set the record.

Fernandes was only subbed in on the 91st minute and got minimal action but still broke a record held by one of the greatest players in the world.