ARSENAL have fallen behind Leeds United in their battle for 'the next Riyad Mahrez', according to reports.
Despite the Whites being dangerously close to the bottom three, they are still looking at targets for next season.
Leeds find themselves lagging 13 places behind Arsenal in the Premier League, but reports in Spain claim they are close to beating them to the signing of Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach.
The teen won't renew his relationship with Barcelona, instead looking to join a new club for next season with Sevilla, Club Brugge and AC Milan among those linked.
He is out of contract in the summer.
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While the Gunners have been closely following the skilful winger, Leeds have apparently pulled out a lead, having been in advanced negotiations to sign Akhomach.
Spanish outlet El Chiringuito even claim Leeds have agreed a four-year deal with the 18-year-old, who has impressed with his stunning talent on the pitch.
Akhomach has had a string of solid displays for Barcelona's second string, earning comparisons to Manchester City ace Mahrez.
He even got a call-up to the first team during the 2021-22 season, where he ended up making three appearances for the Catalan giants.
His entourage are confident that Leeds will stave off relegation, but if they do drop to the Championship then he will STILL sign with them, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
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The team managed to pull themselves back up the table after a win over Wolves last weekend.
Arsenal may be set to miss out on the Akhomach, but they have been tipped to land some other big names.
Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda is rumoured to be leaving for Arsenal in a £13million winter move, and West Ham captain Declan Rice is another key target for the Gunners this summer according to reports.