Arsenal eye move for Spanish-based attacker after Real Madrid talks stall
Arsenal are monitoring highly-rated Granada forward Owen Emeka as competition grows for the 17-year-old’s signature.
Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Arsenal are among several major European clubs to have taken an interest in Emeka following his breakthrough in senior football.
AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United are also tracking the youngster, although there is currently no indication that any of his suitors have submitted a formal offer.
Emeka’s situation could become particularly interesting because his Granada contract reportedly contains a €15million (£13m) release clause.
The teenager is tied to the Spanish club until 2029 after agreeing fresh terms in recent months, according to Moretto.
Real Madrid had shown an interest before that renewal was completed, but negotiations over a potential move ultimately failed to progress.
Emeka has since continued his development at Granada and has established himself as a first-team option despite only being 17.
The Malaga-born attacker has featured six times in the Segunda División this season, scoring once across 262 minutes of league football.
He primarily operates from the right wing and has progressed rapidly after previously representing Granada at youth and under-19 level.
Emeka is also a Spain youth international, while his Nigerian heritage means his international future could eventually attract interest from the Nigeria Football Federation.
Arsenal’s interest fits with the club’s continued attempts to recruit promising young players who could develop into first-team options.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta already has Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke among his senior options on the right flank, meaning Emeka would represent a longer-term investment rather than an immediate requirement.
The Gunners have also demonstrated their willingness to provide pathways for exceptional teenagers, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly among the academy players to have broken into the senior set-up in recent seasons.
However, Arsenal could face considerable competition should they decide to take their interest in Emeka further.
Leverkusen are also reported to be monitoring the forward closely, while Milan and Newcastle remain among the clubs watching his development.
Moretto’s report suggests official proposals could arrive in the coming months, making Emeka’s relatively modest release clause increasingly significant if his progress continues.
For now, Arsenal appear to be monitoring rather than negotiating for the teenager, with Granada retaining one of Europe’s increasingly sought-after young attacking prospects.
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