Barcelona youngster being poached by Arsenal

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

La Masia has always been an icon of youth development in the world of football. The likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta among many other greats of the game, have all emerged from the youth ranks of FC Barcelona.

In recent times, this tradition had been somewhat lost. However, there seems to be gradually coming a return to trusting the youth more so once again. Despite the likes of Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Alejandro Balde all becoming mainstays of sorts in the first team, there are those that prefer to diverge and go their separate ways.

The case of Ilias Akhomach is no different. The 18-year-old Spanish winger is expected to leave the club’s ranks once his contract with Barca Atletic comes to an end in the summer. Choosing not to renew at the moment, the player’s talents have not gone unnoticed.

Top clubs such as Sevilla and AC Milan are reportedly interested in the youngster, while Premier League side Leeds United have already been involved in advanced talks with the player’s entourage.

In the most recent of reports from SPORT, however, it is reported that current Premier League leaders Arsenal are also interested in the player. Known for their youth development and progressive system themselves, Arsenal are a solid choice for the succession of young players and they are currently showcasing that by trusting the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard as mainstays within their own league title-challenging team.

FC Barcelona are reportedly frustrated with their current inability to tie down and extend the stays of two of their youth academy gems, Ilias Akhomach, and Victor Barbera.

However, they seem to be willing to take no such risks with the prodigious talents of one Lamine Yamal, the 15-year-old La Masia starlet making waves in the under-19 despite his much younger age. The latter’s situation has been advanced much more so by FC Barcelona as they continue to keep tabs on the youngster’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

The Latest

Official: Xavi Hernandez renews with FC Barcelona until 2025

Much anticipation was felt in terms of the wait for FC Barcelona to ensure the continuity of key figures within this current team. Ranging...

Two Barcelona stars among the five highest valued teenage sensations – report

The abundance and quality of talented youngsters at FC Barcelona is barely matched by any other club, even from among the elites of Europe....

Xavi explains former forward’s new role at Barcelona

The squad of FC Barcelona for the 2023-24 season changed significantly as noteworthy players left after the end of the last season, and other...

Barcelona already have the timeframe for 16-year-old youngsters’ renewal in mind

The Sporting Department at FC Barcelona has been working non-stop for the last few months. Earlier, the club higher-ups were busy with the summer...

Romeu, Gavi start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Celta Vigo

FC Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo to the Montjuic Stadium for their upcoming La Liga clash. Set to be the sixth match of the league...

Barcelona loanee has hopes high even after a defeat in his first start with Brighton

Ansu Fati made one of the most surprising but exciting choices in the last summer transfer window as he left FC Barcelona for Brighton...

Xavi talks Roque, Felix, Araujo, Pedri, Cancelo ahead of Barcelona vs Celta Vigo

Xavi spoke about the game against Celta, Ronald Araujo's return, Felix's performances, his renewal, Vitor Roque's injury, the continuity of Felix and Cancelo, competition...

Official: Ronald Araujo receives medical green light ahead of Barcelona vs Celta Vigo

The FC Barcelona defense has been working exceptionally well under Xavi Hernandez this season, continuing the good form they showcased last season in order...

Official: Barcelona announce squad for the game against Celta Vigo

FC Barcelona are set to play the sixth match in La Liga 2023-24 season as they face Celta de Vigo this Saturday. The Catalans...