Bayer Leverkusen is pushing Arsenal in the race to recruit Porto teenager Martim Fernandes.
According to Correio da Manhã, the 19-year-old full-back has gained admiration at the Club World Cup following his breakout season in Portugal.
Arsenal is one of them, although they have fallen behind Bayer Leverkusen, who are gaining an edge over Mikel Arteta’s team.
The full-back, who has also played centre-back, has started Porto’s first two games in the tournament in the United States and is continuing to gain popularity as a result.
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Leverkusen have increased their scouting efforts and have surpassed Arsenal in the chase for the defender. Arsenal are expected to focus significantly on the Portuguese market this summer, with Viktor Gyökeres being the prominent target.
Fernandes’ contract with Porto runs until 2028 and includes a €60 million release clause. Porto’s president, André Villas-Boas, will only contemplate a sale at that amount. He feels Fernandes will be one of the club’s rising stars next season.
That may well be a negotiating stance.
Arsenal are keeping an eye on his development, although they are behind Leverkusen at this moment in time.
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