Arsenal want Barcelona teenager Ilias Akhomach as they consider an attempt to hijack Leeds United’s move.
That’s according to Catalan newspaper SPORT, who claim that Akhomach has decided not to renew his contract with Barcelona.
It’s stated that Leeds are in pole position and ‘have an advantage’ over a number of other clubs.
Sevilla and AC Milan have already been mentioned but it’s now suggested that Arsenal have joined the race.
Negotiations are ongoing with four clubs other than Leeds and Arsenal are seemingly one of them.
The report claims that Arsenal have been following Akhomach ‘closely’ for some time now and are right in the mix for his signature.
Arsenal could hijack Leeds United for Ilias Akhomach
This news will serve as a massive blow for Leeds.
ESPN reported in February that Leeds were moving to sign Akhomach despite not even having a manager in place.
That move was described as being a little tricky as Leeds hadn’t met Akhomach’s financial demands.
Add in that Leeds are hardly secure in the Premier League right now and a deal for Akhomach seems less than certain.
That may have given Arsenal a window of opportunity and Edu could now pounce to bring Akhomach to North London.
The 18-year-old was born in Catalunya and has been coming through the famed La Masia academy.
Primarily a winger, Akhomach has made three first-team appearances for Barcelona and has been tipped for stardom.
Patrick Kluivert even compared Akhomach to Lionel Messi and agent Horacio Gaggiolo suggested that the youngster has ‘enormous potential’.
Akhomach only has one goal and no assists for Barcelona B this season though and Arsenal would be looking to develop the teenager’s game over the coming years if they can get a deal done.
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