‘Raw and devastating’ 17-year-old linked with Arsenal and Spurs named in world’s top youngsters list

Add as preferred source on Google

A dazzling young winger reportedly wanted by both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur has made Goal’s NxGn 2020 list of top players born on or after 1 January 2001.

According to a report by Foot Mercato, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur made contact with the representatives of Marseille winger Isaac Lihadji ahead of the January transfer window.

The 17-year-old is believed to be a wanted man across Europe after breaking into Marseille’s senior squad this season, with Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund also said to have displayed an interest (The Sun).

Lihadji’s contract expires at the end of the season and the player is yet to sign new terms, with Ligue 1 rivals Lille believed to be frontrunners for his signature in the summer (Le10 Sport).

Goal’s NxGn 2020 list has ranked the attacker in 38th place, the outlet writing: “Had it not been for a fractured shin suffered during a trial with Barcelona in November 2013, Isaac Lihadji would probably be at La Masia right now.

“As it is, the left winger, who starred for France during last year’s third-placed finish at the Under-17 World Cup, is at Marseille, though probably not for much longer.

“Although Lihadji made his professional debut for Andre Villas-Boas’ side at the start of the season, the 17-year-old has been frozen out of the first team due to his refusal to extend a contract that expires this summer.”

TBR View:

While Lihadji’s apparent refusal to pen a new deal at Marseille hasn’t gone down too well at the Velodrome, their potential loss could turn into a big gain for the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham, should they be able to swoop in ahead of Lille in the next few months.

A quick, right-sided winger who cuts inside onto his left foot, Lihadji is considered to be the best player to come out of the Marseille academy since the likes of Maxime Lopez and Boubacar Kamara.

“Lihadji, playing on the right is quick, raw and devastating,” Get Football News France wrote about him last November. “His pace has given the opponents nightmares and he does not hesitate to cut inside from his flank to assist or score.”

With a spot in Goal’s list of the 50 top youngsters in world football, and likely available for next to nothing, Jose Mourinho and Mikel Arteta should definitely make a move for the France youth international.