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Young midfielders who break into a first team at 17 can attract attention from several clubs once their development is noticed. Learning about reported interest through social media rather than direct contact is not uncommon at that stage. The presence of more than one Premier League side among those linked creates an immediate choice if a move becomes realistic.
A stated dream club that sits outside England can complicate the picture for any domestic suitors. Comments that leave the decision open while confirming a long-standing preference for one particular team set the current parameters. Those remarks follow a full 90-minute appearance in a league match as speculation continues to grow.
Monitoring from multiple English clubs is reported alongside the interest from the two London sides. The player’s progress through the academy and into the senior squad is the foundation for that attention. No agreement is in place, and the current club remains the priority for the time being.
Oliver Mansson has admitted it is hard to choose between Arsenal and Chelsea amid reported interest. The 17-year-old IFK Göteborg midfielder spoke after the club’s 2-2 draw with AIK, in which he played the full 90 minutes.
“No, I had no idea. I saw it on social media like everyone else. So… no, I didn’t know that,” Månsson said when asked about the reported interest. He was then asked which of the two London clubs he would choose. “Haha, it’s hard to choose,” he replied.
Despite the links, Månsson made clear that Barcelona remains his dream club. “No, I don’t actually have one. I haven’t. It’s been Barca for me, but… well, it’s always fun to have interest if there’s something. That’s how it is,” he said when asked about a favourite Premier League team. When asked whether he was waiting for Barcelona to contact him, he responded: “Yes, exactly (laughs).”
Arsenal and Chelsea have joined the race for the midfielder, according to Swedish newspaper Expressen. Reports citing TEAMtalk add that Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are also monitoring his development. Månsson has progressed through IFK Göteborg’s academy, made his senior debut earlier in 2026, and represented Sweden at under-18 level.
The comments indicate that Barcelona holds a special place in his ambitions, although he did not rule out interest from other clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea will continue to monitor his progress if they intend to pursue him. There has been no confirmed transfer agreement, and IFK Göteborg remain his current club.
The growing profile of the teenager has brought him into the first-team picture despite his age. Any future move will depend on how his development continues and which clubs make contact. For now, the focus remains on his performances in Sweden as the reported interest is assessed.