Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Barcelona prodigy Robert Navarro, who has been linked with a move away from the club.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal have ramped up their interest in Robert Navarro. The Barcelona prodigy had been on the radar of the Gunners, Manchester City and a few other top European clubs and has been linked to a move away from the Catalan giants, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Barcelona have always been raided by other top European clubs for their La Masia academy jewels. But recently, the poaching has gathered pace, especially, with the players feeling unsure about their chances of making it to the first-team due to Barcelona’s recent overtures in the transfer market.
The latest to be linked with a departure is Robert Navarro, who has been linked to Dortmund, Manchester City, Arsenal and many other clubs. Manchester City were thought to be the favourites but according to the report, the Citizens have backed out from the race and cooled their interest in the prodigious Barcelona academy star.
RAC1 and Sport are reporting that #AFC are now the favourites to sign the 15yo wonder-kid Robert Navarro from Barça. #MCFC cooled down their interest fearing potential FIFA sanctions. pic.twitter.com/q0GeNiiz7Z
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) April 10, 2018
Barcelona have been trying all they can to get Robert Navarro to commit to a new deal. And as per the latest update, Barcelona have tabled new improved terms on the table for the 15-year-old to sign. However, the economical improvement in the package might not be enough to convince Navarro, who also needs assurances of a structured pathway into the first-team setup in the years to come.
With Manchester City ceding their interest in Navarro, Arsenal have now ramped up their interest in the 15-year-old, who is free to join any other club as soon as he turns 16 on April 12. The Gunners have a past record of bringing in youth stars from Barcelona and grooming them into superstars – Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin to name a couple.
The aforementioned track record could convince Navarro to choose Arsenal over others, Barcelona included. The Catalans would only be entitled to receive a compensation for the formation rights, if the 15-year-old opts to sign for Arsenal or any other club.
Barcelona do seem to have a new, albeit only a simmer of hope, of retaining Robert Navarro. Arsenal on the other hand, are preparing the assault to land the attacking midfielder and the Gunners might just be able to get him.
