Arsenal have reportedly emerged as the latest club to be linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain youngster El Chadaille Bitshiabu this summer.
According to French journalist Julien Maynard, the race to sign El Chadaille Bitshiabu is heating up this summer. The PSG youngster has become an in-demand prospect in the market, with Arsenal becoming the latest club to be linked with a move for the 16-year-old wonderkid after the end of the season.
The Premier League giants have already offered Bitshiabu the opportunity to become a part of their long-term project under Mikel Arteta, who himself has recently penned a contract extension at Emirates. Arsenal, though, could face stiff competition from other European clubs in the race to sign Bitshiabu, as he is rated highly in the continent.
Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Manchester City are some of the clubs other than Arsenal who have expressed the desire to sign Bitshiabu, while Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg are involved in the equation as well.
A centre-back by trade, Bitshiabu is a product of the PSG academy that has developed countless young players in recent years including Christopher Nkunku, Moussa Diaby, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Presnel Kimpembe.
Although yet to make his professional debut, the 16-year-old defender has shown immense promise and talent with his performances in the youth competitions. Bitshiabu was a constant feature in the PSG team competing in the UEFA Youth League earlier in the season, while the teenage wonderkid was handed his professional debut by Mauricio Pochettino last month, during the win over Angers.
Standing at 1.96m, Bitshiabu has raised many eyebrows with his imposing physique. At the age of just 16, the youngster is already one of the tallest players on the pitch. His physique, coupled with his dogged defensive traits have made him an appealing target for major European clubs including Arsenal.
Although far from a finished product, the Gunners believe Bitshiabu can be a useful addition to the team’s defence. The Frenchman can offer competition to first-choice centre-backs in Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes, and at 16, he could be a smart long-term investment for Arsenal.
Also Read: Mikel Arteta: Arsenal deal a blueprint of measured success
However, the report suggests Paris Saint-Germain have no intention to part ways with Bitshiabu. PSG are in the process of rebuilding and could offload several fringe first-team players in an attempt to help the academy stars earn a more prominent role in the team, which could be enough for the youngster to opt for a prolonged stay in the French capital. Arsenal will thus need to set sights on alternatives.