Charlie Patino, a talent from Arsenal, is being groomed to be Barcelona’s next star midfielder.
The highly regarded playmaker, 19, has been doing well this season while on loan at Championship Blackpool, and his reputation is just getting better.
Calciomercato claims that when his contract expires the following summer, Barca will be eager to sign him for free.
Patino carries a Spanish passport through his father Jules and regards Camp Nou legend Andres Iniesta as one of his heroes.
The Arsenal star has only ever competed for England at the young level, but Spain has tried to sway him, and if he moves to LaLiga, that argument would be bolstered.
Despite only appearing once more for the Gunners, rising youngster Patino scored on his Arsenal debut in a 5-1 Carabao Cup demolition of Sunderland last December.
Since then, the holding midfielder has made 16 starts for the Tangerines, making two goals and two assists.
As overseas clubs are likely to line up with Barca to offer him terms in January ahead of a summer move if his deal is not extended, Arsenal will be anxious to address his contract situation as soon as possible.
Other transfer news
According to reports in Italy, Inter Milan and Juventus are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante for a discounted £18 million in January.
Kante’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign.Mykhaylo Mudryk, a target for Arsenal, said he is “wounded” by the £86 million asking price Shakhtar Donetsk is asking for his release.
According to The Guardian, Liverpool and Juventus are keeping an eye on Mason Mount because Chelsea and their academy star have not yet been able to reach a contract extension.