Arsenal enter race to sign Barcelona youngster on a free transfer – report

According to SPORT, Premier League leaders Arsenal have entered the race to sign Barcelona starlet Ilias Akhomach on a free transfer this summer.

Ilias Akhomach is in the final few months of his contract with Barcelona and renewal talks have not led to the desired outcome. As a result, the young winger is set to depart as a free agent in the summer transfer window.

There has been interest from the likes of AC Milan and Sevilla, but Leeds United appeared to be in pole position to sign the Barça starlet on a Bosman deal.

However, now, Arsenal too have entered the equation for the signing of Akhomach. As per the report, the Gunners have been following the 18-year-old for a while now and admire his talent and potential and wish to add him to their before next season.

A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, Ilias made his first-team debut for the club last year in the early parts of Xavi Hernandez’s managerial stint. He has played three times in total for the club’s senior team.

Ilias has largely been featuring for Barça Atletic this term, while also representing the club’s Under-19 setup in the UEFA Youth League. In all, he has featured 25 times across teams and competitions in 2022/23, scoring two goals in the process.

Ilias’ contract expires at the end of the season and he will essentially be departing as a free agent. However, reports suggest that Barça will receive some training compensation while they might also secure some percentage of future sale as well.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal pip Leeds to Ilias’ signing or if the young winger ends up at Elland Road. As things stand, the Premier League seems to be his next destination.