Arsenal are close to signing the ‘next Lionel Messi’, Argentine wonderkid Maxi Romero.
The Daily Mail claims the Gunners are in advanced talks with Velez Sarsfield over a proposed £4.5 million move for the 16-year-old.
Velez Sarsfield president Raul Gamez has confirmed Arsenal’s interest and has admitted that they have received a ‘big offer’ for Romero:
‘Arsenal have made a big offer for Maxi Romero. I don’t want to talk figures just yet but it’s a big offer.’
The striker’s agent Rolando Zarate added on the matter:
‘I met with Arsene Wenger twice in London. They heard about Maxi through their scouts in South America. He is the player who has most impressed him.
‘Maxi has huge potential but he is going to complete apprenticeship at a great club like Velez.’
If a deal can be struck then it is thought that Romero will remain at Velez on loan for at least two more years before starting his career with the Gunners.
The youngster is yet to make a senior appearance for the Argentine club, but has trained regularly with the first-team.
Arsenal are confident they can wrap up a deal for Romero in the upcoming days.
Wenger is renowned for unearthing young talent and has done so in the past many, many times.
His latest young acquisition came in January when he nabbed defensive midfielder Krystian Bielik from Polish outfit Legia Warsaw.
