Arsenal rivaling Barcelona for Sevilla winger Bryan Gil

Arsenal will have to move fast if they are to sign Sevilla’s Bryan Gil, who is not only attracting interest from Barcelona but forcing his parent club to initiate contract talks to fend off interest.

Here we are with Arsenal linked to another forward. Not just a wide forward either, but a young one who would come attached with ‘promise’.

With 16 appearances, three goals and two assists to his name in all competitions on loan at Eibar this season, he’s courted the interest of sides in Europe. Namely, Barcelona and Arsenal.

These are the lines coming out of Mundo Deportivo, who list the pair as keen suitors for the 20-year-old. La Blaugrana’s interest has been mooted for longer than the Gunners’.

Arsenal interested in €35m Sevilla winger Bryan Gil

Currently his contract includes a release clause worth €35m, a steep number that while substantial enough, has not eased the aforementioned duo off the case. For that reason, Sevilla’s director of football, Monchi, has been working on an agreement to see that figure sky-rocket to an eye-watering €150m.

As revealed by Estadio Deportivo, his contract will also be extended to 2025, two more years on the current length. The idea is to insert a release clause that would be ‘unattainable’. If Arsenal do want him, they have to act now.

Or, they could not. They could not go scouting for 20-year-old Spanish wingers and focus on bolstering the areas of the pitch that actually need tending to. Y’know, the minor details of a goalkeeper, left-back, central midfielder(s), creative midfielder and centre-forward.

Gil is one of a few names linked with a north London switch since the January transfer window closed, many of whom may be pure paper talk or have factual basis.

As is often the case, mere interest, i.e having their name on a list of 100 potential options, can be enough to get the speculative ball rolling. Clearly a talented young player, Gil is far from a priority for Arsenal even if Mikel Arteta is looking to shape his squad and inject youth to build towards the next era.

Moreover, €35m would buy Emi Buendia, or even be more than enough to bring in Bayern Munich’s up-for-sale midfielder Corentin Tolisso. Even Yves Bissouma wouldn’t cost much more than that.

If it is to be believed then Arsenal need to reassess where their priorities lie.