Arsenal will reportedly compete with Leeds United in the race to sign 18-year-old Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach in a Bosman move this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Ilias Akhomach is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are monitoring the situation of the 18-year-old Barcelona wonderkid closely. Meanwhile, the youngster is also a target for Leeds United, with the Whites the front-runners to sign him.
Ilias Akhomach has been with Barcelona for half a dozen years, arriving from Gimnastic Manresa in 2017. The Spanish under-19 international has previously represented Hostalets de Pierola. But he has made swift progress since joining Barcelona in 2017, rising through the ranks before turning professional in 2020.
The 18-year-old has also made three appearances for the Barcelona first team, making his debut in November 2021. But the teenage sensation has been plying his trade for Barcelona Atletic, turning out 20 times this season. Meanwhile, Akhomach has entered the final months of his contract and will likely leave as a free agent. Such a situation has alerted Arsenal and Leeds United.
The Gunners are the latest entrants in the race to sign the Barcelona wonderkid. Apart from Arsenal, clubs like Sevilla and AC Milan are also interested in signing the youngster. But Arsenal’s entry into the equation changes things considerably. And it is clear why the north London giants want to sign Akhomach.
Arsenal addressed the depth situation in the first-team squad by signing Leandro Trossard in January. But Mikel Arteta does not have a viable backup for Bukayo Saka. And Akhomach, who can play across the frontline, is a solid candidate for the role. But Arsenal will face stiff competition from Leeds United for the Barcelona prodigy.
Recent reports have claimed that the Whites are the front-runners to sign Akhomach. They have iterated that the 18-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract with Leeds United. So it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can usurp Leeds United in the race to sign the youngster.
The teenage sensation can be a superb addition to the Leeds United squad. But with the Whites battling relegation, Arsenal might have a way to turn the player’s head. And it will be interesting to see if the 18-year-old Barcelona wonderkid breaks the agreement to join Arsenal instead.
