Arsenal in contact to sign "phenomenon" who Real Madrid and Barcelona want

Arsenal are now keen on signing a record-breaking wonderkid, who has been left impressed by Mikel Arteta’s project, but there could be competition for his services from Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to a report.

Gunners looking to strengthen in multiple areas

The Gunners have set their sights on targets in a number of key areas ahead of the summer transfer window, but it appears as though signing a new striker could be the first port of call for Arteta, given the widespread links to some top forwards.

Alexander Isak’s stock is likely to have risen once again after scoring for Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final yesterday, helping the Magpies end their 70-year trophy drought with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, and Arteta remains keen on the Sweden international.

In the same report it is detailed that Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is also now emerging as a surprise option, while targets in other positions include Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Real Sociedad central midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

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Arteta is already relatively well-stocked at left-back, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Oleksandr Zinchenko to choose from, but it appears as though the manager could be keen on bringing in a long-term replacement for the latter player.

That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for Dinamo Tbilisi left-back Saba Kharebashvili, having already made an enquiry about the possibility of a deal.

Arteta is eventually planning to move Lewis-Skelly back into midfield, meaning Kharebashvili could slot in at left-back, although it is unlikely to be any time soon, given that he is just 16 years old and unable to move to the Emirates Stadium until 2027.

A transfer could still be agreed in the summer, however, the Gunners may face fierce competition for the youngster’s signature, given that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with a move, alongside Liverpool.

“Phenomenon” Kharebashvili is one for the future

The teenager is unable to complete a move to north London in the near future, but there are indications he could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad, given that he has already started to break records.

The report states the Dinamo Tbilisi starlet became the youngest player to feature in a UEFA club competition last season, doing so at just 15-years-old, while he has also received high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as a “phenomenon.”

Having also been described as a “leader” of the Georgia U17 team, which he captains, there are plenty of indications the starlet could have the requisite qualities to be a success in the Premier League.

As such, Arsenal will be hoping they can beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the Georgian’s signature, and the fact he is impressed by Arteta’s project could potentially give them the edge in negotiations.