MIKEL ARTETA has compared Arsenal’s young generation to the one he came through with at Barcelona’s iconic La Masia academy.
The Spanish manager came through at Barcelona alongside Carles Puyol and Andres Iniesta.
Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli, Charlie Patino and Emile Smith Rowe are all Arsenal starlets that have made waves this season.
The Gunners are also looking to sign Fiorentina’s Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, 21, according to reports.
Arteta is looking for a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
That comes with Jose Mourinho eyeing Arsenal’s Ashley Maitland-Niles in a January loan swoop for Roma.
The England international, 24, has struggled for playing time with the Gunners this season.
Meanwhile, the Spanish press claim that Barcelona are desperate to send Phillipe Coutinho on loan to the Premier League.
And that puts the Gunners in a strong position, with technical director Edu known to be close to Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian.
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