19-year-old Barcelona starlet on Arsenal’s radars, but wants to stay at the club

Aleix Garrido might not have had a lot of first-team minutes with FC Barcelona, but is regarded as a special talent with a bright future by those within the club.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been on the club’s books for over a decade and has enjoyed a steady rise through the academy ranks at La Masia. And it was in early April that he got his senior debut, coming on for the final six minutes or so against Elche in a La Liga match.

While he did make the matchday squad a couple of times after that, Garrido did not get a chance to add to his solitary first-team appearance.

But given how Barcelona were quick to extend his contract until 2025, it is clear that the midfielder is held in high regard.

According to a report from SPORT, it turns out Garrido is not only rated highly at Barcelona but also in England, where Arsenal, in particular, have the 19-year-old on their radars.

The report states that the Gunners, who have eyes on promising young talents across the globe, have been monitoring Garrido and have very good reports on the teenage midfielder.

However, the chances of the La Masia graduate leaving Barcelona any time soon are very slim. Garrido’s dream is to succeed at the club where he has been since 2012 when he was an eight-year-old and he had no hesitation about signing a new contract until 2025.

Furthermore, Barça also see Garrido as a player who suits the style of the club and believe in his talents. There are plans to involve the 19-year-old in the pre-season camp ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as well, along with some other talented youngsters at the club.

As such, it is hard to imagine Barcelona will be open to selling Garrido and with the player also not looking for an exit, a departure seems nearly impossible.