Newly-promoted Arsenal sporting director Edu has entered the Gunners into the race to sign Las Palmas star Alberto Moleiro, according to reports. The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to Barcelona and Manchester City lately as he continues to impress in the Spanish second division.
Moleiro, who sees his deal at the Estadio Gran Canaria expire in 2026, has featured 14 times for Garcia Pimienta's side in La Liga 2 this season, directly contributing towards three goals from midfield. The Spain youth international once lined up alongside Barcelona wonderkid Pedri in the Las Palmas youth ranks and he has been tipped to become a top playmaker, just like his former teammate.
"Pedri is a player who dictates the tempo of the game and ensures that possession is not lost," said former Las Palmas boss Pepe Mel. He handed both Pedri and Moleiro their senior debuts.
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"On the other hand, Moleiro always looks to get forward and engage the opposition's defence. Moleiro creates the chances, but Pedri is in charge of starting the moves off."
His impressive displays have recently seen him awarded a debut for Spain Under-21s, catching the attention of Arsenal in the process. Moleiro also penned a four-year extension with the Spanish side in the summer to reflect his growing role at the club.
According to Calciomercato, the Gunners are rivalling the Barcelona and City for the player as Mikel Arteta looks to further strengthen his options. This season, Moleiro has predominantly operated as an attacking midfielder with a handful of games at left and right-wing.
The Spaniard's versatility makes him an attractive option ahead of the January transfer window, with Arsenal eager to bolster their depth and defend the Premier League top spot. However, Edu could face an up-hill battle to sign Moleiro, with the youngster said to be a Barcelona fan.
And, the Catalan side have already tabled him an offer to hand the north Londoners a wake-up call. Speaking to Relevo, as quoted by Goal, Moleiro revealed that a summer switch to the Camp Nou collapsed due to the Spanish giants' financial issues.
"It was two or three weeks after the end of the season," he said. "My agent told me that the offer existed, but there were also many rumours and things that were not true."
Goal claim that Moleiro has a €30million (£26.2million) release clause in his contract with Las Palmas. But, it's believed that fee could double if the Spanish side clinch promotion to the Spanish top-flight this season - they currently sit third and are three points from the top spot.
So, with Barcelona circling the wonderkid's situation and a January deal more attractive, Arsenal could be inclined to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later.
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