Chelsea join the race for 18-year-old Portuguese wonderkid Nuno Mendes

Transfer News: Chelsea join the race for Nuno Mendes

According to transfer news from SportWitness, Chelsea have put themselves in the running for Nuno Mendes. Manchester City and United were thought to be the two clubs after the 18-year-old Sporting CP starlet but Chelsea have made their interest known.

The 18-year-old is coming off an excellent season that has cemented his reputation as one of the best young talents on the continent. He has made 35 appearances for Sporting this season, scoring once and assisting two more. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Mendes’ performances have also earned him a spot in defending champions Portugal’s squad for this summer’s Euros. It represents an excellent chance for the teenager to take his game to a bigger audience.

Nuno Mendes of Portugal looks on during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 qualification Group A match between Portugal and Azerbaijan at Allianz Stadium Turin Italy on 24 March 2021. Turin Allianz Stadium Turin Italy Copyright: xMarcoxCanonierox SP24-4

It was earlier reported that both Manchester clubs have held talks with Miguel Pinho, his agent. Pinho is also the agent of United star Bruno Fernandes and he was reportedly at Old Trafford to watch the player as well as discuss a transfer for Mendes.

The player and agent were spotted in Lisbon, potentially to discuss the possibility of a transfer. Now, Chelsea have also entered the race for the talented fullback. The Blues have reportedly contacted Pinho and asked about the situation and whether a deal can be struck.

i27th February 2021 Dragao Stadium, Porto, Portugal Portuguese Championship 2020/2021, FC Porto versus Sporting Nuno Mendes of Sporting PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12270726 DanielxCastro

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Mendes is another bright talent to emerge out of Portugal. However, Chelsea already have a surplus of left-backs in the side with Ben Chilwell, Marcos Alonso and Emerson. Unless they sell off a few of them, it hardly makes sense to go after another prodigious player in the same position.