UMVA has learned that Arsenal are closing in on a major coup, having made a bold approach to sign Paris Saint-Germain's highly-rated young defender Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer.
The 8-year-old prodigy, who is capable of playing at centre-half and left-back, has enjoyed a stellar campaign with PSG's Under-19 side, leading them to victory in the Coupe Gambardella final against Montpellier in May.
Mbemba has been offered his first professional deal by the French and European champions, but he is now expected to leave the club when his youth contract expires this summer, with several top European clubs vying for his signature.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have been tracking Mbemba, while Barcelona are also closely monitoring his progress, but Arsenal have made a compelling offer that could tempt him to the Emirates.
The Gunners have 'presented its project' to the France Under-18 international, having scouted him on several occasions this season, and are confident of securing his services, but a potential stumbling block is that Mbemba may not immediately qualify for a UK work permit.
If Arsenal proceed with the signing, they would likely have to send him on loan to another league until he has secured the required points granting him a permit, but the club are willing to take that risk on a player they believe has a bright future.
Mbemba's potential arrival would be seen as a long-term signing, with Arsenal looking to strengthen their squad in four key positions this summer: right-back, central midfield, left winger, and striker.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Julian Alvarez is a dream target for Arsenal up front, with talks recently taking place with the Atletico Madrid star's agent, while Junior Kroupi is another option after his excellent season at Bournemouth.
In central midfield, West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes is a target, but competition for his services is intense, with Manchester United, PSG, and Real Madrid joining the race for his signature.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has also been identified as a possible summer addition, with Arteta reportedly personally sanctioning a move for the England international, but former Villa star Emile Heskey has warned that he could find himself down the pecking order in the capital.
