Arsenal are now racing Real Madrid and Barcelona for an attacking midfielder with a £35m release clause, according to a report.
Gunners eyeing talented youngsters
While one of Mikel Arteta's main priorities for the summer is likely to be bringing in a new striker, the manager is also keen on bringing in talented young players for his future project.
One position in which Arteta is looking to strengthen is left-back, and 19-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has now emerged as an option, having been admired by the Gunners for a considerable period of time.
Hato's first-team experience in the Eredivisie indicates he could be capable of pushing for a starting spot straight away, but the north Londoners also have some more up-and-coming targets in mind.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta-2 Related
Arsenal could make move for £243k-p/w star who has strong bond with Arteta
The Gunners have identified a "world-class" forward as a top target, and could make an approach during the summer transfer window.
Arteta's side are also seriously considering a move for Dinamo Tbilisi defender Saba Kharebashvili, who is just 17 years old, and they have now made contact to discuss a deal, although there could be fierce competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Arsenal may also have to do battle with Madrid for the signature of River Plate's Franco Mastantuono, according to a report from Spain, which states they have now set their sights on the young attacking midfielder.
franco-mastantuono-river-plate-chelsea
Mastantuono, who has a £35m release clause in his River Plate contract, has started to attract the attention of some of Europe's top clubs, owing to his meteoric rise in Argentina, with Liverpool, Barcelona and Chelsea also being named as potential suitors.
The Gunners have been impressed by the 17-year-old's vision and ability on the ball, viewing him as a player who could add creativity to their midfield, and River Plate have reluctantly accepted the youngster will soon move to Europe.
"Superstar" Mastantuono could go right to the top
Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the young Argentine as a "superstar", and for good reason, given that he has already established himself as a first-team regular for River Plate, during which time he's displayed his play-making abilities.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also described the starlet as a "true football artist", and he has put in some top performances in recent weeks, most recently scoring in his side's Copa Argentina triumph over Ciudad de Bolivar.
Albeit in Argentina, Mastantuono establishing himself as a key player for the senior team at such a young age is no mean feat, and it indicates the River Plate ace could be able to make the step up to the Premier League before long.
£35m is a huge sum to pay for a 17-year-old, but the teenager is drawing attention from the likes of Real Madrid and Barça for a reason, and it could be a real show of intent if Arsenal are able to win the race for his signature.