Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are leading race to sign Chelsea youth player this summer
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has said that Arsenal are at the forefront of the queue to snap up Chelsea forward Ryan McAidoo. The 15-year-old has turned out for the Blues' U16 and U17 teams this season.
The Gunners are seeking reinforcements in attack following the underwhelming returns of their current crop of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and others. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta's side were well served by the likes of Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard as they finished just two points behind Manchester City in the Premier League.
Romano has now tweeted that the Gunners have made an offer for the talented Blues youth player Ryan McAidoo, tweeting:
"EXCL: Arsenal made proposal, and they are currently leading the race to sign Ryan McAidoo, 2008-born talented forward. He’s expected to leave Chelsea this summer; best project proposal so far came from Arsenal. McAidoo played for England U16 and U17 this season."
However, it's pertinent to note that even if McAidoo arrives at the Emirates, he's expected to continue his development in the youth sides before he becomes an option for the first team.
How Arsenal and Chelsea fared in the 2023-24 season
Arsenal and Chelsea have had contrasting seasons. While the Gunners were right in the title race till the final day, the Blues needed a late-season resurgence to avoid back-to-back finishes in the bottom half.
Eventually, Mikel Arteta's side were powerless to prevent Manchester City from creating Premier League history by becoming the first side to win a four-peat, extending their own 20-year league title drought. Meanwhile, the Blues won their last five league games to finish a creditable sixth, considering their stuttering start.
Mauricio Pochettino's side, though, fared better than their London rivals in both domestic cups, losing to Liverpool 1-0 in extra time in the EFL Cup final and to holders Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup semifinals. The Gunners crashed out before the last-eight in both competitions.
Arteta's side prospered in Europe, though, reaching their first UEFA Champions League quarterfinal in 14 years, losing 3-2 on agggregate to Bayern Munich, who lost to eventual winners Real Madrid in the semifinals.