Arsenal have made contact for a highly-rated youngster in European football, as they look to assert their dominance in the transfer market.
While the Gunners are currently battling at the sharp end of the Premier League this season, planning is already underway for the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta likely wants players to immediately come in and hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium, but the hierarchy has also identified talent that will flourish in years to come.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are looking to make a move for Barcelona youngster Brian Farinas in the summer, with the 18-year-old having impressed for the U19 side this season.
The report suggests that Farinas' agent has contact Arsenal over a prospective move, offering the youngster to Mikel Arteta's side ahead of the transfer window. The Gunners face competition from Borussia Dortmund as well.
A midfielder who is comfortable on the ball, Farinas joined Barcelona's academy in 2018 from Villarreal. He is the latest prospect to emerge from La Masia in recent times, following in the footsteps of Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.
Farinas' contract is set to expire next summer, with Arsenal looking to test his resolve with the promise of a more lucrative contract and better opportunities to reach the first team. The 18-year-old is yet to make his first team debut, and might be tempted away from Catalonia.
Whether a move will happen, though, remains to be seen. There's a clear pathway to the Barcelona first team for players capable enough, as highlighted by the aforementioned academy graduates, while Farinas is reportedly highly rated by Xavi, too.
In FourFourTwo's view, this is a deal that could definitely happen, but it seems more likely that Farinas' agent is simply offering the player to other clubs in an attempt to earn him a better contract at Barcelona.
More Arsenal stories
There could be a lot of flux in north London this summer. One star is set for a £60m depature, an attacking duo is being lined up and a defensive rock may well be added.
Could Victor Osimhen be on the move, too?
Meanwhile, former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has shared what motivated Thierry Henry to complete the 2003/04 season unbeaten.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw
