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Reports in Spain are growing that Arsenal are set to poach Real Madrid’s free scoring striker Pablo Sarabia, with Spanish sports website Marca claiming the Gunners have already offered the 16 year old a contract, and have previously spoken to his parents just before the turn of the year.
Sarabia only turned 16 a few days ago, yet already possess a astonishing goal scoring record in similar vain to Bojan Krkic at rivals Barcelona. His transfer to North London would be a huge coup for the Gunners and one which Real Madrid will be disappointed to go through. But due to contract rules in Spain meaning players cannot sign professional until they are 17, it allows the cream of sides across the world the ability to poach the talented prospects.
Arsenal must now persuade Pablo’s parents that his future lies in London, and will be sure to use the examples of Fran Merida and Cesc Fabregas who have both made the jump from Spain to England, with the latter establishing himself as a first team regular inside the first two seasons since the transfer.
Liam Brady has already made two attempts to sign him during December but Madrid rebuffed the offers, and shortly after the Spanish Champions spoke with his parents, and tried to convince him to stay by offering improved terms, which initially he seemed happy with. However his agent has kept the Sarabia family updated with the clubs showing an interest which include Manchester United and Chelsea.
Arsenal are now set to make one final approach this summer for his services, and are waiting to see the outcome before deciding on the future of Greek trialist Nikos Karelis, who has spent 10 days on trial this month.
Setanta Sports reported a few months ago about the interest and claimed we had all but signed him, but although the deal is far from complete, Arsenal’s interest is serious and the deal should it happen will be sure to anger UEFA President Michel Platini, who has vowed to stop sides like the Gunners from signing young prospects from across Europe.