Arsenal join Liverpool in Nuno Mendes pursuit

According to Portuguese publication O Jogo (h/t Liverpool Echo), Arsenal have entered the race to sign Sporting Lisbon’s 18-year-old full-back Nuno Mendes, who has been linked with Liverpool.

The 18-year-old Mendes enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Portuguese capital club in 2019/20. Having come through the club’s youth ranks, the left-back broke into the U23 side last year, before making his first-team debut in June earlier this year.

Mendes featured in all but one of Sporting Lisbon’s ten league matches since the restart of the season. Used as a left wing-back, the youngster impressed heavily, even though he wasn’t able to contribute with a goal or an assist.

In addition, he had racked up 17 appearances for the club’s U23 side, in which he scored once and set up three more. Mendes’ potential has led to him attracting serious interest from a number of clubs, with Liverpool and Manchester United being among them. (h/t Liverpool Echo)

Liverpool were in need of a new left-back at the onset of the summer transfer window. However, the club has addressed that with the shrewd signing of Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiacos. With the Greek international in the squad, we have a quality backup for Andrew Robertson.

So, the links to Nuno Mendes at this point, don’t make much sense. Moreover, it seems like the Portuguese talent has plenty of admirers, with Arsenal now joining the race for the teenager. (h/t Liverpool Echo)

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The report also claims that AC Milan are also keen and have already lodged a £13.5m bid for the full-back. Given the competition, Sporting are likely to demand a much higher fee for the youngster. (h/t Liverpool Echo)

So, going after him this summer, at a time when funds are limited, wouldn’t be prudent for us.