Sporting Lisbon have rejected a second offer from Arsenal for winger Joelson Fernandes, according to ABOLA.

The Portugese tabloid reports that following the rejection of their first bid, which was believed to be in the region of €20m (£18m), the Gunners made an improved offer which was also turned down.

Joelson has a release clause of €45m (£41m) and it is thought that Arsenal’s most recent bid fell well short of that figure. ABOLA claim one of the main reasons why the London club are making lowball offers for the teenager is the fact they know Sporting need the money.

The Portuguese side are looking to sell players in order to balance the books, but their president Frederico Varandas is said to be standing firm as he knows the player is worth a lot more than what Arsenal are offering.

Joelson had been in negotiations over a new contract but a disagreement over the size of the new release clause has meant talks have stalled.