Arsenal closing in on Barcelona youngster Joel Lopez

According to football website Goal, Arsenal are set to sign the Spanish left-back from FC Barcelona.

Arsenal are close to complete the signing of Barcelona starlet Joel Lopez, after the youngster turned down a new contract. He could be the latest addition in a series of youngsters who left Barcelona to join Arsenal.

The 15-year old left-back is at Barcelona since the age of 7. According to reports in Spain, the Joel Lopez is an attacking full-back. Some media reports also linked Lopez to Merseyside club Liverpool.

Raul Sanhelli, Arsenal’s head of football relations seems to have played a part in luring the youngster. Sanhelli was formerly with Barcelona. If Joel Lopez joins, Arsenal would only need to pay training compensation.

Also read: What can Arsenal expect from Unai Emery

Arsenal had made it an habit to sign youngsters from Barcelona in the past. Previously, Arsenal has signed the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin from Barca’s youth ranks. Fabregas went on to captain Arsenal in the future, before coming back to Barcelona and eventually joining Chelsea.

Arsenal are close to signing Barcelona youngster Joel López (U16 Cadeta A left-back.)

Liverpool were also interested but Raul Sanllehi’s close relationship with the Catalan side most likely made the difference here. https://t.co/hHIKtsKHcd

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) May 22, 2018

Arsenal’s current crop of left-backs include Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac. While Joel Lopez is still young, Arsenal look to boost their youth academy with the signing of the 15-year old.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to announce Unai Emery as their new manager. The Spaniard will replace the long-serving Arsene Wenger as the boss.

Arsenal had a disappointing domestic and European season this year. The North-London club finished 6th in the Premier League and lost to Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Europa League.