Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders and fullbacks in this transfer window, but a surprise option has emerged.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his options in the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe linked with moves away.
Established players such as Martin Zubimendi and Amadou Onana have been linked, but as it stands, neither player looks likely to join.
Arsenal were reportedly scouting Leeds United sensation Archie Gray in recent months, after the 18-year-old’s outstanding breakthrough season in the Championship, and there is now a new development in Arteta’s reported interest in him.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in Leeds United starlet Archie Gray
The Daily Mail have now reported that London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have joined Arsenal in their interest in Gray.
Leeds United lost the Championship playoff final, meaning that if Gray is to play in the top flight next season, he will have to move.
Given the interest in him, and Leeds’ desire to keep hold of their outstanding young talent, they have slapped a £30m asking price on the 18-year-old, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be willing to pay such a fee.
Would Archie Gray be a smart signing for Arsenal?
Gray predominantly played at right-back this season, whilst also featuring in a defensive midfield position.
It seems unlikely that he would start in either position should he join this summer, but perhaps he is being eyed up as a talent who can develop into a top-class player under Arteta.
Former England goalkeeper David James recently told the Yorkshire Evening Post that the Championship Young Player of the Year is following a similar path to Manchester City star John Stones, who made the step up from Barnsley to Everton before joining Pep Guardiola’s side, and has played in both defence and midfield.
“As we’ve seen in Premier League footballers, as we’ve seen in international football, if you’ve got that versatility [you can succeed],” James stated of Gray.
“John Stones is probably the best example at the moment as a senior player, and Archie Gray is following that mould. He’s been fantastic for Leeds this season and hopefully for him, his future is in a senior England squad playing in one of many different positions.”
Gray’s versatility may make him appealing to Arteta, but given his price and the fact that he is unlikely to be an immediate starter, it would be something of a surprise to see him join.
If Gray has offers from elsewhere, such as Spurs, where it would be easier for him to break into the side, immediate first-team action may be more appealing to him, but the prospect of joining a title-challenging side may also outweigh this for the teenager.