Arsenal pursuit Valencia whizkid

Arsene Wenger has identified Valencia youngster Paco Alcacer as a potential transfer target this January and according to reports, Arsenal will rival European champions Barcelona and Liverpool for the youngster’s signature.

The 18-year-old is being monitored closely by Liverpool representatives after making his debut for Valencia last season in La Liga.

But Wenger is hoping to activate a €10 million (£8.7 million) release clause in Alcacer’s contract this winter.

Alcacer has been unable to come to an understanding with his employers about a new contract, which has attracted the attention of several top European clubs, and Valencia’s hottest property has emerged as Spain’s new golden boy, after netting 15 goals in 13 appearances for the club’s under-17’s side last season.

Real Madrid are also thought to be ‘keeping tabs’ on Alcacer.

However, Arsenal will need to act quickly to land the youth star, as what has proved in recent times, Wenger seems to stall on buying a player or contract talks seems to freeze (Mata springs to mind).

If Wenger is serious about signing Alcacer, he should show his authority and intent in the market and sign the teenager as quickly as possible.

I know some fans won’t be happy about the Frenchman signing another youngster, but if he’s got the talent, then why not bring him in. Not many people knew about Hernandez when Fergie signed him, and look how good he turned out to be.

Hopefully, Alcacer is actually as good as he is reported to be…he has to be if Barca and Real are after him, right?

Only time will tell if we capture another supposed wonderkid.

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