Arsenal step up pursuit of Geovany Quenda despite €83m release clause | OneFootball

Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Sporting CP‘s 17-year-old winger, Geovany Quenda, according to recent reports.

The young Portuguese talent, who has already broken into Sporting’s senior team, is attracting attention from a host of Europe’s top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Quenda has impressed since joining Sporting’s first team, featuring in 10 Liga Portugal games this season, scoring once and providing an assist.

With eight of those appearances being starts, he has shown an ability to adapt to top-level football quickly.

Quenda, born in Guinea-Bissau, also has two assists in European and domestic cup competitions, with Sporting relying heavily on the left-footed attacker’s versatility and creative spark.

Reports from Fichajes suggest Arsenal are now closely following Quenda’s progress, with a view to making a move for the teenager in the coming months.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP is challenged by Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Sporting CP currently have Quenda tied down until 2027, with a reported release clause of €83m (£71.4m). However, no club appears willing to meet that figure outright, meaning Sporting will have to be open to negotiations.

Interest in Quenda isn’t limited to Arsenal. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all rumoured to be keeping a close watch, potentially leading to fierce competition should Sporting opt to lower their asking price. With his current market value estimated at €15m (£12.9m), Quenda is seen as one of the hottest young prospects in Europe, and any move will likely depend on how Sporting price their young star.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 5: Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting CP and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 5, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Quenda primarily operates as a right winger but is equally comfortable on the left or in a more central midfield role. This versatility is part of what has drawn the attention of clubs like Arsenal, who are keen to add more young, adaptable talent to their squad as they aim to secure their long-term future under Mikel Arteta.

Sporting’s recent change in leadership, with João Pereira stepping in as head coach, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Pereira, who took over following Rúben Amorim’s move to Manchester United, is expected to bring a fresh approach to the squad, making any potential sale of Quenda an important moment in shaping Sporting’s future.