Arsenal are one of five clubs interested in a 17-year-old Celtic starlet who could well join the Gunners' exciting young core
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are leading the chase for a 17-year-old Celtic starlet tipped for big things.
The Gunners are still top of the league, following a 1-1 draw against Southampton at the weekend. The result was Arteta's team's first draw in the Premier League for nine months but still leaves them clear of Manchester City in second.
Now, Arsenal are said to be competing with Manchester City not just on the pitch but for a youngster who is generating hype in Scotland.
Arsenal are still top of the league, following the 1-1 draw against Southampton (Image credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Italian outlet TUTTOmercato have named Arsenal and City as the two Premier League sides who have registered an interest in Celtic youngster Rocco Vata, who has been in outstanding form for the Bhoys' B-sides.
Born in Glasgow, Vata has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level and is eligible for Albania and Montenegro. The midfielder has also caught the attention of Serie A clubs Juventus, Roma and AC Milan.
Celtic are said to be holding out for just under £2 million for the teen sensation, which seems like a lot of money to spend on a youngster with very little first team experience.
Given that Arsenal have shown willing to invest in teenage talent in the past though and even throw them in at the deep end – 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was given his debut against Brentford – the fee might seem like small change to the club.
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Celtic's Rocco Vata is being chased by a handful of clubs (Image credit: Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
