Chelsea have been linked with a move for 17-year-old winger Joelson Fernandes, who currently plays for Sporting Lisbon. Fernandes made his senior debut earlier this year, making four appearances for the Sporting Lisbon senior team.
As per A Bola (via Mirror Football), several Premier League clubs are interested in signing the 17-year-old winger. Arsenal and Manchester City have also been touted as interested parties. The report says that Chelsea and City could trigger the £41 million release clause, while the Gunners are willing to pay £31 million for him.
Joelson Fernandes’ current contract with Sporting Lisbon expires in 2022. He has represented the Portuguese U17 team, as well as the U16 and U15 teams.
Joelson Fernandes: Should Chelsea cough up the fee?
Joelson Fernandes has been likened to Juventus winger Cristiano Ronaldo in some quarters due to a couple of mirroring traits, thanks to his dribbling ability, flair, and speed. Fernandes is a right-footed player who plays on the left-wing, using his pace and tricky dribbling to get into central areas. The skilful winger possesses quick feet and has a fearless attitude while attacking, taking on defenders at will.
The youngster is a raw talent that could blossom into one of the best wingers in the Premier League. Fernandes has the ability to get fans off their seats and could be a great threat going forward.
Chelsea have a few options out wide currently, especially on the left side. Christian Pulisic had a promising first season with the Blues and thrived on the left side of the attack whenever he was called upon. The American international will be an important player for the Blues in the seasons to come. Another young midfielder, Mason Mount, has played as a left-winger, a No. 10, as well as part of a midfield three for Chelsea. Mount has added goals and assists from midfield, and he too could be an important player for Lampard in the future and is likely to be a regular next season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is another option for Lampard on the left, while new signing Timo Werner can also play there if the Chelsea manager decides to shake things up if need be. If Chelsea sign Fernandes, he will most likely be a player that will be used in cup games, or Champions League group stage games, rather than the Premier League.
Given his age, that will not be an issue for either camp but a big-money move in this current window will come down to the conviction of the manager and the board. Having already splurged a decent amount in attack and with doubts over a couple of other areas in the squad, adding depth, albeit in the form of a potentially world-class player, might not be prioritised in these uncertain times.