Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Barcelona wonderkid Aleix Garrido.
That's according to Spanish outlet Sport, who claim the Gunners are one of several clubs monitoring the midfielder's situation at the Camp Nou should he become available.
It may not be the sort profile Arsenal supporters will be hoping to see arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer. West Ham star Declan Rice is the priority and it's expected an improved offer worth £100million is expected to be submitted after seeing their opening bid turned down.
However, as the signings of Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos have proved in the last 12 months, sporting director Edu Gaspar is keen to bolster the options for the future and Garrido fits that bill perfectly.
Born in February 2004, the midfielder is one the hottest talents in Barca's academy at the age of 19. He made his debut for the La Liga champions in April, coming off the bench in the 4-0 away win over Elche.
His standout displays in the youth teams earned him a new deal in Spain, signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2025. It's reported the agreement includes an astonishing €400million (£340million) release clause. Barcelona clearly like him.
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Fortunately for Arsenal, the list of midfielders ahead of him in Spain may provide an opportunity for a move in the future. Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are all ahead of Garrido currently, though the Catalonia side will be competing in La Liga and the Champions League next term.
Right now, it is only a distant possibility Garrido will leave Barcelona. Since Xavi became head coach, wonderkids from the La Masia academy have continued to be filtered into the first team - including Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal.
This season is expected to provide further opportunities for Garrido. Speaking in April, Xavi hinted of his intention to integrate the teenager into his first team in the future. "We would've called up Aleix earlier but he was dealing with an ankle injury," he told Diario Sport.
"Aleix is talented and can make the final pass, perhaps what we've been missing the most in Pedri's absence."
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