Ilias Akhomach has decided to leave Barcelona as a free agent and reports in the Catalan press had earlier talked about Arsenal and Leeds United interest.
Victor Orta and Javi Gracia had reportedly convinced the 19-year-old to join the Whites, but the deal to take him to Leeds took a backseat after Orta and Gracia left Elland Road. Last month, Sport pushed forward the Gunners as a contender to sign the player.
It’s stated Mikel Arteta’s side and the Whites ‘offered him better financial offers’. Despite this, the Spain U19 international has decided to join Villarreal.
The report states the youngster favoured the Yellow Submarine’s sporting project over the ‘higher financial offers’ from Arsenal and Leeds.
Sport state the ‘skilful winger’ is expected to join Villarreal in the next few days.
Akhomach is set to sign a four-year deal, which will include a release clause between €20m and €30m.
