Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund 'interested in 18-year-old Barcelona starlet'

Brian Farinas was learning his trade at the Villarreal academy before joining Barca's celebrated La Masia setup in 2018, since when he has risen through the ranks to become a part of their Under-19s squad.

An out-and-out central midfielder, Farinas made five appearances for La Blaugrana in this year's UEFA Youth League, as Barca reached the knockout round playoffs but lost to Mainz 05 on penalties.

The teenager also has one appearance to his name in the Primera Federacion - the third tier of Spanish football - coming off the bench in a 4-2 victory over CD Teruel last month.

However, Farinas's contract in Catalonia is due to expire at the end of next season, and according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Dortmund are both keeping a close eye on the situation.

Xavi 'keen to keep Farinas at Barcelona'

Farinas is yet to make his senior Barcelona debut or sign a professional contract with the La Liga champions, but he is supposedly rated highly by Xavi, who is now confirmed to be staying on for the 2024-25 season.

The Barcelona boss apparently intends to integrate Farinas into the first team next season and is therefore keen to keep him at the club, but they may choose to cash in if he does not pen a new contract.

Arsenal and Dortmund would apparently waste no time in moving for Farinas this summer should the 18-year-old decide that his future lies elsewhere, and the Gunners are said to have been provided with 'information' by his agents.

The glowing reports means that Mikel Arteta would welcome his compatriot's arrival at the Emirates Stadium, but he would have to be patient for first-team opportunities in North London and may start out with the Under-21s.

In contrast, Dortmund could offer Farinas a route into the first team immediately, as the German giants pride themselves on developing teenage talents and have a proven track record in doing so.

How is Arsenal's midfield shaping up for next season?

Nevertheless, Farinas could feel optimistic of being in and around the Arsenal senior squad for 2024-25, as Arteta and sporting director Edu could oversee a midfield overhaul in the coming months.

Mohamed Elneny will seemingly be heading for the exit door when his terms run out at the end of June, while Thomas Partey - whose deal runs for a little over 12 months - may follow suit amid his frequent injuries.

Charlie Patino and Emile Smith Rowe do not appear to fit into Arteta's long-term vision either, but a recent report has claimed that Jorginho has been offered a new deal and is likely to agree to it.

The 32-year-old's renewal - which is likely to be a short-term one - should not deter Arsenal from making a move for a new defensive midfielder this summer, where Martin Zubimendi, Youssouf Fofana and Bruno Guimaraes will be among the top targets.