Arsenal interested in move for young Villareal winger

Arsenal are reportedly set to battle it out with fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool for Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino.

The Gunners have already spent a total of £118 million so far this summer and are widely expected to add to their current spree.

Rumours associate the club with the arrival of a new winger before the end of August, with reports in Spain believing that Pino could be one of the names on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist. 

According to local Spanish news outlet Radio Castellon, the Gunners are interested in landing Villarreal youngster Pino, currently coached by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

The radio station claim that the player’s entourage have confirmed the interest held in the 19-year-old by Arsenal, as well as like-minded Liverpool.

Additionally, the source also speculates that a bid could have already been placed for the in-demand Spain international, entering his third season in the Villarreal first team.

Radio Castellon’s information goes with the news put out just hours before by another Spanish publication, AS, who were among the first to report on the Gunners’ interest.

According to the newspaper, Villarreal may be tempted by a sizeable offer, even if it falls short of the player’s €80 million release clause.

The La Liga outfit have kept their spending to a minimum so far this season, with the £1 million forked out on Watford’s Kiko Femenia representing their largest outlay.

As Villarreal struggles to move on some of their own assets, particularly with the signing of Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso in mind.

AS believe ‘El Submarino Amarillo’ may be tempted to accept an offer for their young star.

Pino enjoyed a breakout season in 2020/21, appearing 37 times and scoring seven goals in all competitions at the tender age of 18 for Villarreal.

The winger repeated his dose with seven more goals last season, starring with an additional four assists registered in La Liga.

Now a full Spain international, the €80-million-rated 19-year-old could rival Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, also heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.