Arsenal launch £5.4m bid to sign ‘new Lionel Messi’

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Arsenal are close to signing Velez Sarsfield star Maximiliano Romero for £5.4 million, reports The Sun.

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The 16-year-old has been likened to four time Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona star Lionel Messi despite not even appearing in a competitive fixture for the first team yet at Velez. He has however been training with the senior squad, and has scored twice in friendly matches.

The Gunners want to pay £4.5 million for 80% of the player’s rights and then leave him at the Argentinian club for the next two years. They would then pay an extra £900,000 to complete the deal when the player turns 18.

Both the player’s agent and the club chairman have confirmed that a bid has come in from the North London side. This would be a major transfer fee for such a young unproven player, and further shows how Arsenal are now willing to splash the cash on new players.

Velez president Raul Gamez confirmed: “Arsenal have made a big offer for Maxi Romero. I don’t want to talk figures just yet but it’s a big offer.”

Romero’s agent Rolando Zarate said: “I met with Arsene Wenger twice in London. They heard about Maxi through their scouts in South America. He is the player who has most impressed him. Maxi has huge potential but he is going to complete apprenticeship at a great club like Velez.”

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