Arsenal and Newcastle United are keen on signing 17-year-old Spanish youth international Owen Emeka from Granada next year.
According to an update from Matteo Moretto, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in Owen Emeka, while Real Madrid wanted to secure his services in the summer transfer window. The Spaniard has a release clause worth €15 million in his contract with Granada.
Who is Owen Emeka?
Owen Emeka is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. Born in Malaga, the 17-year-old has spent his formative years thus far in Spain, passing through the academies at Altético Benamiel, CD Tiro Pichón, and 26 Febrero before joining Granada.
The Spaniard has rapidly risen through the ranks at Granada, representing the club’s youth and under-19 sides before breaking into the first-team squad. Emeka has enjoyed his breakthrough in the ongoing campaign, already accumulating 262 minutes of game time in six La Liga 2 outings while chipping in with one goal.
Emeka’s exploits in age-group and senior-level football in his homeland have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs. Real Madrid considered signing the Spanish winger before he signed a new contract with Granada, and his continued progress has alerted high-profile clubs across Europe.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Arsenal’s interest in Owen Emeka may appear surprising due to the presence of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke in Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, signing a promising young winger like Emeka is a market opportunity that aligns with the age profile of the current wingers, as he can initially learn the ropes from Saka before eventually taking over as the first-choice right-winger in a few years.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies have several wide attackers, but Jacob Murphy is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. While Newcastle may hand the experienced winger a new contract, he will only remain a short-term option for the Tyneside outfit.
AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are also credible options, as they may offer regular game time with the first team. However, with no talks held yet, Granada are in a secure position, with a deal far from materialising anytime soon.