Arsenal have expressed interest in signing BarcelonaThe highly valued winger Arnau Pradas, according to a Spanish media, Sports World.
The 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects at Barcelona's coveted La Masia academy. He showed outstanding qualities in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored against Young Boys and Monaco, as well as putting in an incredible performance against local rivals Damm.
Now, according to Sports WorldArsenal have expressed interest in signing the winger, who could join a host of La Masia graduates in making a mark in Europe.
The Spanish publication also adds that the Gunners coach Mikel Arteta has given the go-ahead to the club to obtain the transfer from the Spain under-19 star to the Emirates Stadium.
After a disappointing first two years in the club's academy, Prada has experienced a meteoric rise in form and performance. The Blaugrana will therefore try to avoid a possible exit as they hope the attacking star continues his development at the club, according to the report.
Although Prada has not been valued for a transfer, the Spaniard is expected to be affordable for Arsenal, especially now that his contract expires next summer.
Arsenal eyes La Masia's next rising star
Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy has produced some of the best young players who are already plying their trade at some of Europe's top clubs.
Players like Pau Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Marc Guiu and Abde Ezzalzouli are some of the recent young stars who have appeared on Europe's big stages after passing through the club's famous academy.
Prada could be next in line, with Arsenal already courting him after a series of standout performances in Barcelona's youth team.
The Gunners are known for turning youngsters into elite first-team players and the club could be the most suitable environment for Prada to develop.
However, Barcelona have expressed a strong desire to keep the forward with the possibility of first-team opportunities in the future and it will be interesting to see what avenue the north London club will use to poach the highly-rated teenager from the Spanish giants.
