Arsenal could beat Leeds United to the signing of Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach this summer, according to Spanish publication Sport (page 16).
The 18-year-old, who has already made three appearances for the first team, is widely expected to leave the Blaugrana when his contract expires on June 30.
Leeds are reportedly leading the race to sign the Spaniard, having made initial contact with his agent, but Sport insist that ‘nothing has been closed’ at the moment.
It is added that the Gunners are ‘very attentive’ over the teenager’s situation and they could hijack the Whites’ ongoing pursuit of Akhomach in the coming days.
Barcelona are unlikely to be left empty-handed from the free transfer. They are expected to demand training compensation or a small profit from a future sale.
Aside from the Gunners, Sevilla and AC Milan are also mentioned as potential candidates to sign him.
Arsenal could swoop for Akhomach
The Gunners have had a good track record when it comes to signing La Masia graduates in the past. Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin are prime examples.
The duo were hugely impressive in the peak of their careers and we won’t be surprised if the club are aiming to lure Akhomach with a decent financial package this summer.
The teenager is a right-winger by trade. He has not been overly impressive with just five goals in his youth career. However, the Gunners could bank on his potential to land him.
The club prised away Marquinhos from Sao Paulo for a cut-price fee last summer. There could be a similar repeat with Akhomach, who could be signed for a small compensation fee.
If he were to join Arsenal, he could either play for the development side or leave on loan. Leeds, on the other hand, could offer him minutes. It remains to be seen where he goes.
