According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are interested in signing Sevilla wonderkid Bryan Gil, who has also caught the eye of Barcelona.
The 20-year-old – who is currently on loan at Eibar – is considered to be a star of the future by Sevilla.
As a result, they are trying to extend his contract until 2025 – as things stand, his deal with the Spanish outfit will expire in 2023.
Within that deal, Gil has a release clause of €35 million (£30.3 million).
At first glance, that seems like a lot for a 20-year-old. However, it might just be tempting for Arsenal and Barcelona when they hear of Sevilla’s plans.
Mundo Deportivo mention that Sevilla are keen to see Gil shine for them, rather than elsewhere.
It is for this reason that they are planning to up his release clause to €150 million (£129.8 million) in the proposed contract which will tie him to the club until 2025.
So, seeing as the Spain Under-21 international is a relatively unknown presence in England, what type of player is he?
Well, Barcelona’s German scout Vaya Ballabriga – who helped discover Iniesta and Ansu Fati – has spoken very highly of Gil.
As quoted by Cadena Ser (via Marca), Ballabriga said: “Right now he is Spain’s best footballer and I compare him with Neymar. He can do certain things and has great versatility, as he can play at full-back, in the middle or on the left wing. It’s impressive.”
If Mikel Arteta truly is keen to sign the precocious forward, he must act quickly.
£30.3 million seems a lot, but if Gil’s release clause is upped to £129.8 million and he becomes a star, Arsenal will kick themselves for not activating the original clause.
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