Arsenal now most determined in race to hijack Barcelona target Laciné Megnan-Pavé

Arsenal have a brimming pipeline of exciting young talent and could be set to add prodigious Montpellier gem Laciné Megnan-Pavé to their ranks if they can fight off competition for his services.

Fighting on all fronts, the Gunners have began to call on the strength of their squad in recent times, evidenced in the fact that Andre Harriman-Annous starred in their victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek.

Clearly, there is room for developing talent to feature under Mikel Arteta should youngsters impress at underage level. With his side top of the Premier League and seeking to go deep into multiple competitions, domestic matches outwith the top-flight may be the breeding ground to blood more of their academy.

However, chances for Hale End prodigies may dry up amid positive injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz. Strength in depth is key for the Gunners, and supporters will be delighted that the Spaniard will soon have added flexibility ahead of the festive fixture list.

Arsenal manager MikelArteta

Adding context, he added: “I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team, the huge boost that is going to be for the squad to have those players available again after such a long time. I’m really happy that I think it’s going to be very soon.”

His happiness may be about to multiply, given Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta already appears to have one eye on the next youngster to enter the conveyor belt of bristiling talent at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal fighting Barcelona for Montpellier sensation Laciné Megnan-Pavé

According to Sport.fr, Arsenal are looking to sign Montpellier youngster Laciné Megnan-Pavé and sporting director Berta will look to beat the might of Barcelona to land the services of the exciting goalscorer.

At just 15 years of age, he is already captain of France’s Under-16 squad and has shown a demonstrable track record of hitting the target after notching 15 goals and 12 assists in 24 games last season.

Now under observation due to his ‘explosive’ profile, murmurs insist that Montpellier will offer him a three-year professional contract once he turns 16, albeit the notion of making your name at an elite club like Arsenal may be difficult to turn down.

Physically, he stands at 6ft 1in and is more than a match for defenders despite still having plenty of years to grow, adding another layer of intrigue as the Gunners look to secure his services.

Aston Villa fighting to sign Samu Aghehowa amid interest from Tottenham and Arsenal

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs that are tracking Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

Having qualified for European football in three seasons under Emery, who has overseen a revolution at Villa Park, the Villans endured a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign. Villa, who did not score in any competition until mid-September, only picked up their first Premier League win on the 28th September.

Just days earlier, Villa beat Bologna 1-0 in the Europa League, a victory that kicked off a five-game win streak across all competitions. The club have since beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park, before falling to a 2-0 loss at Anfield against defending champions Liverpool.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Villa have been linked with a number of players. Having had well-documented troubles with PSR rules in recent months, it is clear that Villa’s first-team needs something of a revival through new additions, which they could get if they sign this particular forward.

Villa interested in Samu Aghehowa

As per Football Insider, Villa are interested in acquiring the services of Samu Aghehowa. Since joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, the forward has blossomed into one of Europe’s most-promising number nines and as such, has garnered interest from multiple clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on the Spaniard and as per Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Villa and Arsenal are also eyeing a move, while Newcastle may drop out of the race having signed Nick Woltemade.

Aghehowa would not be cheap. Understandably, Porto are keen to hold onto their star striker, who has an £88 million release clause in his contract. A lethal goalscorer, Aghehowa has been described as a “powerhouse” for his displays in Portugal.

Appearances

57

Goals

36

Assists

4

Yellow Cards (Red Cards)

7 (1)

Minutes Played

4,147′

In September, Roberto Olabe joined Villa as their President of Football Operations, replacing Monchi who had filled a similar role. January will mark Olabe’s first window with the Villans and Aghehowa would certainly be a statement first signing for the Spaniard.

Having lost Jhon Duran in January 2025, it could be argued that Villa are yet to replace the striker. Evann Guessand signed in the summer, but the former Nice forward has predominantly been used out wide by Emery.

Aghehowa, contrastingly, would be an out-and-out number nine were he to sign for Villa, offering England international Ollie Watkins a viable level of competition. The Spaniard would be a sensational addition, though whether Villa can agree a deal for him remains to be seen.

Villa scouts 'blown away' by hat-trick hero

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