Arsenal were considered as front-runners to sign Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Yacine Adli but according to latest reports, Real Madrid has made a late entry to snap up the 17-year-old. The Gunners were considered to be leading the race as they recently hired Unai Emery for the top job after Arsene Wenger’s departure and the Spanish tactician has previously worked with the player at PSG.
Emery was the one who handed him his senior team debut as he came in the 83rd minute against Caen in a Ligue 1 encounter. The midfielder has impressed everyone with his performances in Uefa Youth League and German giants Bayern Munich have also shown an interest in him. He is an attacking midfielder and has ample potential to become a world beater one day. He impressed for France at the u-17 World Cup held in India and he is touted to have a big future.
With Real Madrid coming into the picture, the youngster could be lured to one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, at North London, he will have more opportunities to play first-team football and for his overall development, a move to Arsenal will be more suitable.
Nevertheless, the Gunners need to be prepared for a situation where they might miss out on the signing of Adli and we look at three possible replacements they can go after.
Phil Foden
The Manchester City starlet made just 5 appearances in the Premier League and the youngster would have been left frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities. Like Adli, he shot to limelight with his performances in the U-17 World cup where he helped the Three Lions win the title and went on to win the Player of the Tournament trophy as well.
At Arsenal, he is likely to get more opportunities and a move for the youngster will certainly not be a bad choice for Unai Emery.
Federico Valverde
The 19-year-old has already represented his national team Uruguay and is in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. He even made 25 appearances for Deportivo and the youngster has all the makings to play for a club like Arsenal. He has excellent ball playing skills and can be a good man to have in the middle of the park.
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James Maddison
The 21-year-old was one of the few bright sparks at Norwich City who finished a dismal 14th in the previous campaign. The attacking midfielder managed 15 goals and 11 assists and if not for him, the Canaries could have been fighting relegation. He has all the talent to play for a Premier League club and Arsenal could be the right suitors for him.
