Agent Kia Joorabchian has poured cold water on reports that Arsenal are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon winger Joelson Fernandes.

There have been multiple stories coming out of Portugal in recent weeks suggesting that the Gunners, along with Chelsea and Manchester City, were keen to snap up the 17-year-old after talks over a new contract broke down.

However, Joorabchian, who represents Fernandes, has distanced his client from those claims, stating that there has been no contact with Arsenal regarding signing the teenager this summer:

“Today I read something about Joelson Fernandes, that Arsenal made an offer. He’s young, phenomenal talent, but we’ve never spoken about him to Arsenal. I’ve probably seen like 25 articles about him and Arsenal and it’s so untrue. I’ve never mentioned him to Arsenal.”

It is not a surprising statement, to be honest with you. The Gunners are said to be working on a very limited transfer budget and have been making staff redundant in order to cut costs.

Fernandes has a €45m (£41m) release clause and signing an unproven teenager for such a high transfer fee, when the London club’s transfer priorities lie in other positions, made very little sense.

How Much Do You Know About Arsenal? Test Your Knowledge In Our Brand New Gunners Quiz