Arsenal and Leicester City have emerged as potential contenders in the race to sign Villarreal prodigy Yeremi Pino next season.
According to a report from Transfer Market Web, Arsenal are among the clubs in the market for Yeremi Pino. The Villarreal youngster is one of the hottest prospects in Spain right now, with Leicester City also involved in the quest to lure him to the Premier League next summer.
Villarreal are under no immediate pressure to offload Pino, as his contract expires in 2024. But the report suggests that the youngster’s rapid rise to prominence could see him make a “giant leap” prior to the start of the 2022/23 campaign. Arsenal were primarily the club interested in his services, but it appears they are now set to face stiff competition from league rivals Leicester.
Formerly of Las Palmas youth academy, Pino has raised a lot of eyebrows in Spain, having made his professional breakthrough at El Madrigal last season. He made 24 appearances in La Liga, scoring three goals and was most notably a part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Europa League by beating Manchester United in the final.
Although the 18-year-old was not a vital member of the club’s success last term, he has started the new season on a strong note. In just six league matches, the winger has been involved in as many as four goals.
Pino’s contributions have not gone unnoticed either, with Leicester City now joining the race to sign the Spanish international. It is well-documented that the Foxes do lack depth out wide, with Harvey James and Ademola Lookman being the only real option out on the left flank, in particular.
It appears coach Brendan Rodgers is prepared to address that problem by snapping up Yeremi Pino next season. It is evident that the youngster is destined for success in the years to come, and might be a smart long-term investment for the Foxes.
However, they are set to face a tough fight from Arsenal for his signing, with the club also boasting a far superior record of nurturing teenagers and integrating them into the first team. It may give the Gunners the upper hand next summer, should any transfer pursuit ensue.
For the immediate future, though, Leicester City are eyeing a move for former Liverpool star Luis Alberto whereas Arsenal have been linked with a few quality wingers as well, including Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling.
