Arsenal may now follow Leeds path over wonderkid target also wanted by PL rivals

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Arsenal are unlikely to make any senior signings in this January transfer window, but they may not be completely inactive.

It has now emerged that Arsenal are among the teams targeting a move for a teenage sensation, as a potential star for the future.

Arsenal’s academy has thrived in recent years, and there is plenty of young talent coming through such as Ethan Nwaneri, and they could add additional high-potential wonderkids to their roster.

16-year-old midfielder Fletcher Boyd is one of the biggest talents at the Scottish giants, and he is now being targeted for a move south of the border.

Arsenal are tracking Fletcher Boyd from Aberdeen

A report from the Daily Record in Scotland has now revealed that both Arsenal and Aston Villa are “closely monitoring” teenager Boyd, who is described as “one of the finest talents” at the club.

Aberdeen would be furious if they lost Boyd to one of the Premier League heavyweights, with it unclear who of Mikel Arteta or Unai Emery will win the race to sign him just yet.

This comes after Aberdeen lost one of their star prospects in striker Lewis Pirie, who joined Leeds United for around £200k, despite the club not wanting to lose him.

Arsenal are recruiting to boost their academy

Although it would be a frustrating loss for Aberdeen to lose another big talent, there is plenty of upside in a potential deal for Arsenal.

Whilst Hale End has produced the likes of Bukayo Saka from a young age, other prospects such as Eddie Nketiah joined from other academies, with current starlet Mika Biereth now thriving out on loan, having joined from Fulham’s academy in 2021.

Chelsea saw the upside in recruiting in Scotland, as they poached Billy Gilmour from Rangers in 2018. Leeds secured Pirie last year, and the 16-year-old is thriving at under-18 level with three goals and an assist in seven appearances.

Per Mertesacker has revolutionised how Hale End are producing talents, and it would be a good move for Arsenal to land one of Scotland’s biggest teenage prospects at a low price now.

Should Boyd come good, he could even return on loan to Aberdeen further along in his development, and if he progresses well and stands out among his age group, there is a clear path between the academy and first team at Arsenal under Arteta, and playing alongside elite talents in his age group in North London could elevate the level of his development.