Arsenal are said to be keen on signing Club Cerro Porteño youngster Diego León.
That’s at least what ABC’s Cardinal Deportivo are reporting, and their title says the 17-year-old is ‘very close to Arsenal’.
The left-back was promoted to the Paraguayan side’s first team in July. Since then, he’s been a regular, clocking in 938 minutes from 11 matches, scoring two goals in the process.
His performances for his club have caught the attention of European teams. Arsenal are the only team mentioned and the report states they have made advances to secure a deal.
Cardinal Deportivo make it clear this is their own information. They say Mikel Arteta’s side are ‘very close’ to acquiring the Paraguayan’s services. It’s further claimed the operation is ‘very advanced’ and only the signature is missing for the deal to go through.
Arsenal’s idea is to agree a deal with Club Cerro Porteño and allow León to continue with them until he turns 18 years of age in April 2025.
Another Paraguayan outlet, Versus, have relayed comments from Club Cerro Porteño vice-president, Juan Carlos Pettengill. He claims no offer received for León so far. The official has also detailed the South American club’s plan for the teenager.
“He has a contract with Cerro for five more years, he is one of the last jewels the club has produced. Because of his age and because of his game, his physical power, he has jumped on several radars,” he said.
“The club is focused on him playing at least until next July, when he comes of age. But the truth is that now the club has not received any offer, we hope that he settles in the first division and then we will see if a transfer takes place.”
