A new transfer battle has erupted between Europe’s two giants, with Barcelona and Arsenal reportedly set to go head-to-head in a bid to sign Racine Meignan-Pave, one of France’s brightest teenage prospects.
According to L’Equipe, the 15-year-old Montpellier striker has attracted the attention of scouts across Europe following a string of impressive performances for the club’s Under-19 team, and has already scored two goals this season.
Despite his young age, Maignan Pave has the physicality and technique to shine at a big club, and interest in his services continues to grow.
Will Barcelona take the lead over Arsenal in the battle for Maignan and Pave?
Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy is now tipped as the frontrunner to secure his services.
At 6 feet tall, Menyan-Pave already has an impressive physical presence considering his age. But what stands out most to scouts is his sense of balance, intelligent movement and natural goal-scoring instincts.
Montpellier have a reputation for developing elite-level French talent, from Olivier Giroud and Remy Cabela to Eli Wahi, and Maignan-Pavet could be his successor.
The Catalan giants continue to rebuild their team structure around young prospects, as well as Lamine Yamal, Pau Kvarsi and Fermin López.
Barça’s sporting director Deco has already given the green light to the signing, with negotiations ongoing between the player and intermediaries representing the club.
The Gunners have a habit of signing the best young players.
But Arsenal is still firmly in this team. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the north London club has invested heavily in technically talented young players with a high potential for development.
The Gunners believe Maignan-Pavet can become a star in the future in an environment where young players can shine.
The north London club have been hugely impressed with the development of young players such as Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly under Arteta.
Meanwhile, Montpellier are aware that it will be difficult to keep the teenager. The French club faces the difficult task of convincing him to remain in Ligue 1, as he has not yet signed a professional contract due to his age, although European powerhouses are circling him.
Source: Arsenal and Chelsea scouts watch Champions League star worth €70m-80m