Arteta and Fernando Torres seen on scouting mission as Arsenal watch prolific wonderkid

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been spotted on a scouting mission in the company of former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.

Mikel Arteta has been using the current international break to check out an Arsenal transfer target for himself.

Whilst Arsenal sporting director Edu has already claimed that the club have identified their summer transfer targets, the manager will still want to watch any potential prospects in person himself when possible.

The international break is the perfect opportunity for the Spanish coach to get away from north London and indulge in some talent spotting himself. Arsenal currently have eleven players away representing their countries, so London Colney will be quieter than usual at this time. 

Who was Mikel Arteta scouting?

As reported by football.london, Arteta was seen in Spain taking in the under-19s derby clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. He was joined in the stands by his compatriot, Fernando Torres.

The Arsenal boss was said to be particularly “focussed” upon Omar Janneh, as per Spanish publication Marca.

The 17-year-old is already regular for Atletico Madrid’s under-19s side, and may well be a star of the future that the Gunners already have their eye on. He certainly will have enhanced Arteta’s impression of him, as the teenage wonderkid grabbed a goal and an assist, as Atletico Madrid secured a 2-0 win over their capital city rivals. 

Janneh has been in prolific form at academy level this season. He has 16 goals and 5 assists under his belt and boasts plenty of pace and impressive physicality for his age.

As a former striker himself, Torres will likely have been hugely impressed by what he saw from Janneh in this match.

Arteta’s physical presence at this fixture suggests that he is a prospect that Arsenal are tracking at least somewhat seriously.

What will Arsenal get done this summer?

Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window. There are plenty of areas of the first-team squad that need reinforcing, before youthful prospects such as Janneh can come into the picture.

Arsenal are due a midfield rebuild. There is a need to source an adequate back up option for Bukayo Saka. On top of that, a top class striker is considered a must.

There are also plenty of outgoings to contend with, too. Aaron Ramsdale is almost certain to depart. Arsenal are also keen to cash in on Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah.