Arsenal are lining up a move for Real Madrid starlet Cesar Gelabert in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain.
Gelabert is regarded as one of the most promising talents in Madrid’s academy and clubs from around Europe have been keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old attacking midfielder in recent months.
The teenager is yet to make an appearance in Zinedine Zidane’s first-team but his outstanding displays in Madrid’s UEFA Youth League campaign made a real impression on Arsenal head coach Arteta.
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According to AS, Arteta – who was still with Manchester City at the time – kept a close eye on Gelabert’s performances as the youngster impressed against Chelsea before scoring against Tottenham.
The report suggests the Gunners are ‘in the hunt’ for Gelabert’s signature along with Borussia Dortmund and Lyon.
It’s claimed Lyon have already made an offer for Gelabert which was swiftly turned down as Madrid view the Spaniard as a player capable of breaking into the first-team in the near future.
Arteta is keen to bolster his options in midfield this summer, with Dani Ceballos set to return to the Bernabeu when his loan deal expires.
Espanyol and Valencia midfielders Marc Roca and Carlos Soler are also firmly on Arsenal’s radar as potential replacements for Ceballos.
Earlier this week, the Madrid loanee admitted he was unsure about how the coronavirus crisis will impact his future.
‘I finish my contract on June 30. I would have to play for Arsenal, I don’t know how [it would work],’ Ceballos told El Chiringuito.
‘My future would be irresponsible for me to speak about.
‘The most important thing will be to be important for my new team.
‘I came to Arsenal to be important and in less than a month it has disappeared.’
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