Arsenal named as suitors for ‘pearl’ of a forward – Gunners have contacted player’s father

Arsenal are keen on Peñarol youngster Facundo Pellistri, but face stern competition to sign the 17-year-old forward.

Pellistri has been earning rave reviews in his homeland with a series of impressive performances, despite his young age.

These performances have caught the attention of big clubs in Europe, who have all turned their eye towards Uruguay following the success of Fede Valverde with Real Madrid this season.

Pellistri is ‘one of the pearls of Uruguayan football’ according to AS, who say that Arsenal are one of several teams interested.

The newspaper says the Gunners, alongside Atlético’s Madrid and Barcelona, have been in contact with the youngster’s father and representative about a move.

It is Atlético who are leading the race, though, with AS claiming he is ‘attracted’ to the project at the club, who have a strong history of developing Uruguayan players.

The likes of Diego Forlán, Diego Godín and José Giménez have all starred for the club in recent years, and that attracts Pellistri.

No official bid has been made as yet, nor is there any talk of a fee, although it’s likely Peñarol would want a decent amount for their rising star.

That leaves Arsenal still in the fight should their interest be genuine, although they will seemingly have to convince the youngster that England is better than Spain.