Fabregas 2.0? Arsenal in 'advanced talks' to sign Barcelona wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 6 Dec 2024 20:00 GMT
• 5 min read

Arsenal are in “advanced talks” to sign Barcelona wonderkid Arnau Pradas, according to reports in Spain.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of La Masia’s best current prospects, but he is in negotiations to leave Camp Nou following contact with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

That is according to Spanish outlet El Nacional, who claim that Arteta has convinced Pradas to join the Gunners with an “almost irresistible economic and sporting proposal.”

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The Spain youngster is due to become a free agent in 2025 and Barcelona have reportedly been unable to convince him to sign a contract extension at the club.

Hansi Flick has been informed that Pradas will not be allowed to play for the Blaugrana first-team until he pens a new deal, but the teenager is now “very close” to joining Arsenal, as per El Nacional.

Pradas, a natural left winger, has registered three goals and one assist in five UEFA Youth League appearances so far this season, although he is yet to make his senior debut for Barcelona.

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Cesc Fabregas repeat?

Arsenal’s pursuit of Pradas has drawn similarities to Cesc Fabregas’ move from Barcelona to north London in 2003.

The legendary Spain midfielder left Camp Nou to join Arsene Wenger’s side at the age of 16 and he went on to make 303 first-team appearances for the Gunners before returning to Barcelona for €34 million in 2011.

Fabregas won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his eight-year spell at Arsenal, although he angered Gunners fans by joining Chelsea in 2014.

The former Spain international won five major trophies at Stamford Bridge, including two Premier League titles.

In addition to Fabregas, Hector Bellerin also left Barcelona’s academy to join Arsenal during his teenage years and the Spaniard returned to Camp Nou for a brief spell during the 2022-23 campaign.