Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly among a host of European clubs interested in and vying for the signature of Reading forward Danny Loader.

According to Goal, Danny Loader is unlikely to stay a Reading player for long. The striker, who is currently plying his trade in the Championship, is drawing widespread interest across Europe, including the top brass of the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea rumoured to be in the running as well.

The report names Southampton, Leicester City and Wolves from the Premier League as well, with suitors ranging from Rennes and Lille in France to Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. Juventus are another big club that has been said to be following Loader’s development closely.

Danny Loader was one of the rising English stars that were part of the nation’s triumphant Under-17 World Cup campaign in India. The striker has 21 appearances to his name in the Championship for Reading this season, but must have been disappointed with his tally of a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.

The Premier League 2 though, has seen Loader run rampant and finish with 10 goals and an assist in 11 games, something that might have pushed Reading to make him a permanent member of the squad. Despite his not so decent return at the senior level this season, Arsenal, Chelsea and many others are stacking up to pursue the 18-year-old in the summer.

Loader has a lot of admirers across Europe and in the Premier League. (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Loader has a lot of admirers across Europe and in the Premier League. (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as options upfront, with the duo regarded as one of the best duos in operation in the Premier League. Unai Emery though, would want to bring in other options, especially with Danny Welbeck set to leave the club on a free transfer.

It is still unclear whether Chelsea will be able to sign players this summer. But, the Blues have been credited with interest in Loader, which is surprising, with stars like Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi set to return from their respective loan spells within England.

Although, if Chelsea do not exercise the option of signing Gonzalo Higuain on a permanent basis, they will be left with Olivier Giroud as the only first-team striker, apart from the two returning forwards.

Loader reportedly has just a year left on his Reading deal, which would make it further difficult for the Championship side that just avoided relegation in the 2018-19 campaign to retain the 18-year-old. While Reading are keen for Loader to renew terms, the striker is keen to explore other options; and there are likely to be many options for him, judging by the interest that has been reported.

Reading are going through a difficult financial phase and it has been reported that a meagre fee of £3 million could prove sufficient to convince the club to part ways with their exceptional talent. It will be interesting to see whether any of this interest is converted into genuine offers in the summer.

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