Arsenal have reportedly made a clear signal of intent to Sporting Lisbon that they wish to sign full-back Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old has been attracting interest from across Europe, with Liverpool and Man Utd among the clubs monitoring Mendes.
Portuguese publication O Jogo report The Gunners have shown the most interest of the Premier League trio though, with their sternest competition coming from AC Milan.
Milan have even lodged a bid for Mendes' services worth €15million (£13.5m) including a percentage of any sell-on fee in the future.
However Sporting are demanding much more than that for the left-back, which is proving the big obstacle for Arsenal.
Mendes has only recently signed a new contract with Sporting which runs until 2025.
The Portuguese club are therefore under no pressure to sell, and are requesting for any potential suitors to activate the €45million (£40.5m) release clause in the defender's contract if they wish to sign him.
They would likely accept a lower fee but their valuation is some way off that of interested clubs, particularly as Mendes has not even reached double figures in senior appearances yet.
He has represented Portugal at every age group from under-16 to under-19 though.
His versatility is also a bonus too, as he can play at centre-back as well as on the left.
Liverpool were already said to have made enquiries regarding the teenager in the summer as they sought back-up for Andy Robertson, but instead opted for £11.75m signing Kostas Tsimikas.
Do Arsenal need another left-back? Have your say below.
Jurgen Klopp was brought to the attention of his talents when Liverpool met Sporting in a pre-season friendly last summer.
It seems Mendes is pretty happy at Sporting anyhow- at least for now.
Upon penning his new deal back in June he said: "This contract extension proves that this club believes in me and I believe in this club.
“We will remain together for many more years to come.”
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