Ilias Akhomach, a striker for Barcelona, is reportedly on his way to Villarreal from Arsenal despite receiving a “better financial offer” from the latter.
This summer, who may Arsenal sign?
Sporting director Edu stated as much back in April, and Mikel Arteta and the Gunners have already made preparations for this summer’s transfer market.
Despite dominating the championship battle for the majority of the season, the Premier League heavyweights nearly lost out to the defending champions Man City.
There are now a lot of transfer targets who have been mentioned in the news, and Arsenal’s objective is to build on the positives of 2022/2023, namely their fierce challenge.
The north Londoners want to bolster their midfield, and they are interested in Ilkay Gundogan of City, Declan Rice of West Ham, and Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
As connections to Galatasary’s Sacha Boey continue to heat up, defensive reinforcements are also a possibility. Akhomach from Barcelona, who will become a free agent and depart the Camp Nou, is another prodigy that Arsenal has been after.
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Sport claims that Arteta and company may be content to fall short of their goal, though. Despite receiving a “better financial offer” to join Arsenal, the attacker is reportedly on his way to Villarreal instead.
Despite being approached by both Leeds United and Arteta’s club, Akhomach was persuaded by the Villarreal initiative, especially in light of their track record for nurturing young players and providing them with pathways to the first team.
The 19-year-old thinks Quique Setién will give him more possibilities, and it is anticipated that “in the coming days” he will join Villarreal as a new player.
Just who is Ilias Akhomach?
Akhomach, a forward who has played for Xavi’s first squad, has received accolades in recent years for having tremendous potential. Las Palmas manager and former Barca B coach Francisco Javier Garca Pimienta holds Akhomach in the highest regard.
In fact, Pimienta singled out his genuine “quality” and “brave” style of play as reasons to believe he will succeed.
In 2020, the coach stated, “He’s a cheeky, brave player with a lot of quality, but he’s only 16” (via Sport).
We can’t give our extremely young players too much responsibility since they are still developing.
He’s one player we will definitely keep in mind this season, it’s apparent that the academy is producing a lot of talents.
Akhomach’s 22/23 season wasn’t exactly stellar, as he managed just one goal in 23 league games for Barcelona’s minor team, but a new beginning could be just what he needs.
Arteta will be disappointed since it won’t be at Arsenal.
