Barcelona and Arsenal battle each other in attempt to sign 15-year-old Montpellier talent: Reports

European giants Barcelona and Arsenal are set for a battle to sign highly-rated French teenager Lacine Megnan-Pave from Montpellier, as per reports. Striker Megnan-Pave has burst onto the scene in the youth circles in France, leading to interest from clubs within and outside his native country.

A report from Tribuna.com has revealed the interest in the 15-year-old striker, who scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 24 appearances for Montpellier's U-17s last season. The youngster has the strongest interest from both clubs, as they will look to lure him away from the uncertainty in Montpellier.

Now playing with the U-19s at Montpellier, Megnan-Pave is keen on remaining at the club but has yet to receive a professional contract offer due to their financial troubles. The club may look to show their faith in him by fast-tracking his opportunity to train under first-team coach Zoumana Camara before they sort out the details of a contract.

Lacine Megnan-Pave has already played six times at U-19 level, scoring two goals despite playing four years above his age group. The striker is exactly the kind of talent both Arsenal and Barcelona would look to sign for their clubs, judging by their recent moves in the market.

Arsenal did something similar with gangling striker Chido Obi, signing him from Denmark aged 14 before nurturing him as he made his name in the academy circles in England. The Dane ended up joining Manchester United at 16 years old, and the Gunners are already looking for the next big thing in attack.

Barcelona, on the other hand, have never stopped feeding their system with top talents from all over the world, and Megnan-Pave fits the bill. They signed Vitor Roque in a big money deal from Brazil before his 18th birthday and were strongly linked with Estevao Willian, as well.

Barcelona set to revive interest in Arsenal captain: Reports

Barcelona are set to revive their interest in Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard ahead of a possible move in 2026, as per reports. The Spanish giants are interested in the Norway international, who has developed into one of Europe's finest attacking midfielders at the Emirates Stadium.

A report from SPORT has revealed that Hansi Flick's side are keen on the 26-year-old, whose name first came up inside the club around 11 years ago. Keen on the gem emerging in Norway, the club invited his father to the Nou Camp in November 2014 but failed to convince him, as he joined Real Madrid instead.

Odegaard has a contract with Arsenal until June 2028, 30 months from now, and will be very reluctant to leave the club where he is captain. He found a permanent home in North London after a plethora of loan spells from Real Madrid, and may be keen to remain there.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen