Arsenal are leading the chase for Barcelona starlet Joan Toral amid Spanish reports that the two clubs have clashed over his future.
Midfielder Toral has just turned 16 and has been part of Barca's academy system since before he was a teenager.
However, now it is believed that he is being lined up for a move abroad with Arsenal believed to be heading the chase.
Spanish media claim that Barca president Sandro Rosell was not happy as he raised the issue with Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis during their recent Champions League clash at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's possible recruitment of Toral is being likened to their swoop for current skipper Cesc Fabregas - who turned his back on the Catalan giants to move to North London when he was 15.
Now Barca are reeling at the prospect of losing another one of their most promising young midfielders - although it is unlikely to have come as a huge shock given his agent his Pere Guardiola, the brother of their coach Pep.
Chase
Spanish sources say that Toral - who has an English mother and his full name is Joan Miguel Toral Harper - is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs.
It is believed that Chelsea, Manchester Cityand Liverpool have all made enquires, but it seems Arsenal are in pole position.
The player himself is currently with Barca's A grade cadet side and is now considering his options but the Catalan giants already feel he is set to move.
Should he quit the club as expected, they would be due just €300,000 in compensation.
Some good news for Barca is that Toral's cadet team-mate Sergi Samper has shunned the chance of a move to England, with Arsenal again showing big interest.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6771768,00.html?
Midfielder Toral has just turned 16 and has been part of Barca's academy system since before he was a teenager.
However, now it is believed that he is being lined up for a move abroad with Arsenal believed to be heading the chase.
Spanish media claim that Barca president Sandro Rosell was not happy as he raised the issue with Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis during their recent Champions League clash at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's possible recruitment of Toral is being likened to their swoop for current skipper Cesc Fabregas - who turned his back on the Catalan giants to move to North London when he was 15.
Now Barca are reeling at the prospect of losing another one of their most promising young midfielders - although it is unlikely to have come as a huge shock given his agent his Pere Guardiola, the brother of their coach Pep.
Chase
Spanish sources say that Toral - who has an English mother and his full name is Joan Miguel Toral Harper - is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs.
It is believed that Chelsea, Manchester Cityand Liverpool have all made enquires, but it seems Arsenal are in pole position.
The player himself is currently with Barca's A grade cadet side and is now considering his options but the Catalan giants already feel he is set to move.
Should he quit the club as expected, they would be due just €300,000 in compensation.
Some good news for Barca is that Toral's cadet team-mate Sergi Samper has shunned the chance of a move to England, with Arsenal again showing big interest.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6771768,00.html?
