Barcelona prodigy Ilias Akhomach has reportedly seen his move to Barcelona break down, handing a boost to Arsenal in his chase.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Ilias Akhomach will not join Leeds United in the summer transfer window. The Whites have sacked Victor Orta, who had been pushing to sign the 19-year-old Barcelona prodigy. And the latest development has come as a boost for Arsenal and his other suitors.
Ilias Akhomach started his youth career with Hostalets de Pierola before joining Gimnastic Manresa. But he has come leaps and bounds since moving to Barcelona’s fabled La Masia Academy in 2017. Since then, the Spanish under-19 international has taken age-group football by storm in his homeland.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut in November 2021 and has turned out thrice for the Barcelona first team. But the Catalan giants are in a spot of bother over Akhomach’s long-term future, as he has entered the final months of his contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of Arsenal and Leeds United.
Arsenal recently joined the race to sign the Barcelona prodigy as they search for a backup for Bukayo Saka. The English international has not rested much this season, as Mikel Arteta does not have a viable alternative to pick. Arsenal will thus look to secure Akhomach’s services in a Bosman move.
But the Gunners are not the only club keen on signing the 19-year-old. And recent reports pointed to Arsenal’s main competitor being Leeds United. The Whites have, in fact, been on the verge of completing a Bosman move for the teenage sensation.
The Barcelona prodigy was ready to leave the Blaugrana as a free agent to join Leeds United. And with the Whites’ offensive output leaving much to be desired, Akhomach has been a viable target. But his move to Leeds United has broken down following Victor Orta’s departure this week.
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The Whites have sacked Orta and Javi Gracia as they stare at the possibility of relegation. And the latest development has boosted the prospects of Arsenal and other suitors like AC Milan and Sevilla. It will be interesting to see where the 19-year-old Barcelona wonderkid lands if he leaves the Catalan club this summer.
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