Arsenal have lodged a bid of around £8.8m to pursue the services of Eintracht Frankfurt youngster Aymen Barkok. The teenager has been tracked by the Gunners over the past year with Arsene Wenger believed to be a huge admirer of his talents.
Turkish outlet Spox claims that the north London club have lodged a formal offer for the 19-year-old, who is rated as one of the best upcoming prospects in the Bundesliga.
Barkok managed just 19 appearances in the German top-flight last term – but he it still highly-regarded by his German club due to his versatility in midfield.
The 19-year-old is mainly an attacking midfielder by trade, but he can also feature in the central and right midfield positions based on the club’s requirements.
Arsenal are no short of options at the centre of the park, but the manager could be planning for the long-term with both Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla having entered the final year of their deals.
Wilshere is due to miss pre-season training due to his an ankle fracture earlier last season, and the same goes with Cazorla who has had eight operations on his Achilles problem.
The FA Cup holders have already shown their intent in the transfer market with the signings of Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette, and there could be further additions to the squad as Wenger plots to end the club’s long wait for the English crown.
Barkok, who has represented Germany at the Under 16 and Under 17 levels, has three years left on his existing deal at Eintracht Frankfurt.
