Brighton and Watford are eyeing a move for Real Valladolid youngster Adrián Arnuncio as he earns admirers in the lower categories of Spanish football.
That’s according to journalist Jorge C. Picón, who say Brighton and Watford are in the race to attract one of ‘the great pearls of Spanish football’.
He explains that Arnuncio has been earning admirers this season, making 13 appearances in the reserve team despite being just 16 years old.
It’s his first season as a youth but he’s been catching the eye, with ‘very positive’ reports being sent around Europe as a whole host of scouts and recruitment managers watch him live.
He’s considered a real star for the future, particularly by Spain, who believe he is one of the forwards with the ‘most future’.
A growing list of clubs are interested, with Brighton and Watford joined by the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Benfica and Barcelona. Half of Europe are keen on him, but the English pair can offer ‘customised projects’, which may put them out in front.
Valladolid would like him to stay and are working on a contract extension but could be forced into a sale because his current deal expires in 2025.
If they can’t get a renewal, they’d be open to a sale that ensures a potential on a future sale. If that can’t be secured, they’d point to his release clause, which is set at €3m.
Arnu, for his part, wants to ensure that his current club get as much as possible from a sale. Whether that is to Brighton or Watford remains to be seen but his future will be defined in the coming months.
