Arsenal face a new challenge to seal a deal for a wonderkid target this summer, as Premier League rivals have now joined the race for their signature, according to BBC Sport.
The Gunners are planning for the future, having won the league title for the first time in 22 years, with plans to repeat that feat for many years to come.
While there is a blend of peak-age players with some younger talents, Mikel Arteta appears keen to add further depth to the youth ranks for the future, handing the team even more opportunities to secure long-term options.
One target that hits that criteria is a Paris Saint-Germain youngster, who Arsenal are now facing a fight to land this summer.
Bournemouth Join Emmanuel Mbemba Transfer Race
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Arsenal have been seeking out a possible deal to sign PSG youngster Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer at the end of his contract this summer.
The 18-year-old is a defender who can play as a left-back and a centre-back, having shown great promise with the French champions during his time in their youth academy setup.
Arsenal have submitted a proposal in the hopes of landing Mbemba, but BBC Sport reports that Premier League rivals Bournemouth are looking to hijack a move.
It's claimed that the Cherries have held initial talks over a deal, which would see him join the club and given a pathway through their sister club, Lorient.
It hands the youngster a clear pathway that may not be available at Arsenal, though the report claims that the Gunners' offer has impressed him.
That leaves a key decision at the hands of the PSG wonderkid, who will seemingly have the pick of some top teams to join when he becomes a free agent in the coming weeks.
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Arsenal's Pathway Challenge
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Given how strong the Arsenal squad is, with depth in every single position, it's clear how much of a challenge it will be for the club to create a pathway for young stars.
While there are exceptions, like those for Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly, there have been challenges for stars such as Ethan Nwaneri.
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It makes it a challenge for the Gunners to tempt some stars to the club, and that could prove costly in the race to land a player like Mbemba this window.
With Bournemouth's clear pathway, through the use of their multi-club model, Arsenal may well be on the backfoot to prove they are the best destination for young stars.