Arsenal could be set to do battle with Barcelona for Montpellier youngster Laciné Megnan-Pavé. The 15-year-old ‘nugget’ is ‘causing a stir’ in Europe.
That’s according to L’Equipe, who report that the striker is ‘under the gaze’ of Europe’s top clubs already.
He’s currently establishing himself as one of Montpellier’s future stars and is ‘quickly protected like a ‘jewel’ by the French club.
Europe’s elite are ready to take him away. That’s thanks to his impressive numbers for the U17s, where he managed 15 goals and 12 assists in 24 games last season.
This season he’s with the U19s, three categories above his own. Montpellier belief that he’ll be a future star. For now, they’re focused on shaping their rough diamond into something more polished.
Arsenal and Barcelona are closely following his development. They were likely among the big clubs who followed him at a youth tournament in Croatia last year. They will be among them at the U16 International Tournament in Val-de Marne at the end of this month.
They, like others, knows that Megnan-Pavé is currently only under contract as a junior. That makes him an ‘easy target’ for the big teams. Montpellier are also ‘financially depressed’ after relegation and need money when they can get it.
That’s already seen them sell three of their finest youngsters for less than €2m to the likes of Watford, Marseille and Udinese.
They want to avoid the same happening with Megnan-Pavé, with a new contract a distinct possibility to ensure Arsenal, Barcelona or anyone else can’t scoop him up.
