Bayer Leverkusen are edging ahead of Arsenal for the signing of Porto youngster Martim Fernandes.
That’s according to Correio da Manhã, who report that the 19-year-old full-back has been earning admirers at the Club World Cup after his breakthrough season in Portugal.
Arsenal are one of them but have found themselves falling behind Bayer Leverkusen, who are gaining an advantage over Mikel Arteta’s side.
The full-back, who has also played at centre-back, has started Porto’s first two games in the tournament in the United States and is continuing to pick up admirers as a result.
Leverkusen have been intensifying their scouting efforts and, as a result, have overtaken Arsenal in the race for the defender.
Arsenal are believed to be focused heavily on the Portuguese market this summer, with Viktor Gyökeres naturally the standout target.
Fernandes has a contract with Porto until 2028 and a release clause worth €60m. Porto president André Villas-Boas will only consider a sale at that price. He believes Fernandes can be one of the rising stars at the club next season.
That may well be a negotiating stance.
Arsenal are keeping an eye on his development, although they are behind Leverkusen at this moment in time.
