Report: Arsenal and Spurs eye Barcelona youngster Ilaix Moriba

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Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are amongst a group of Premier League sides keen on signing Barcelona youngster Ilaix Moriba, according to a report from Spanish outlet El Gol Digital.

Moriba has burst onto the scene at the Nou Camp this year, making his first-team debut in January.

The 18-year-old has already scored one and provided two assists in four La Liga appearances. Ronald Koeman also handed him his Champions League debut for the final stages of their last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

And his emergence is not going unnoticed in England. According to El Gol Digital, the Gunners and Spurs want the teenager.

Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be interested in Moriba. It is noted that his contract with the Catalan giants expires in 2022.

Intriguingly, the report claims that his value is just £4.3 million (€5 million). But Barca are hoping to loan him to Real Betis for next season to help convince him to stay.

Arsenal may be hoping to replicate 2003 move

The links with a teenage midfielder coming through the ranks at Barcelona may be particularly exciting for Arsenal fans.

It is almost 18 years since Cesc Fabregas made the move from Catalonia to North London. And of course, he went on to have an incredible career.

Moriba is much further along in his development than Fabregas was. So Arsenal are in for a tough battle trying to sign the youngster.

The claim about his valuation is surprising. He is a player who has made an impact in the top flight and already appeared in the Champions League. Even with his contract situation, it seems unlikely that Barca would view a €5 million fee as a good piece of business.

And with several sides interested, they will surely feel confident that they could make considerably more if they do end up selling him in the near future.