Arsenal 'keeping tabs on Barcelona teen Aleix Garrido'

The 19-year-old broke into the senior setup at Camp Nou last season, making his first-team debut in a 4-0 win over Elche in April.

Garrido captains the Barcelona Atletic side but is expected to be handed more first-team opportunities next season, with manager Xavi thought to be a big fan of his.

The midfielder last month signed a new contract at the club too, putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2025.

That contract includes a €400m (£345.2m) release clause to ward off any potential suitors, although Spanish outlet Sport reports that Arsenal are keeping track of Garrido's situation nonetheless.

Barcelona's midfield currently consists of fellow academy products Pedri and Gavi, as well as 26-year-old Frenkie de Jong.

Garrido could therefore struggle for regular first-team opportunities and clubs are hopeful he may push for an exit if a breakthrough does not come on a more regular basis next season.

Pedri is one year older than Garrido, while Gavi is one year younger, yet both players have been part of the Barcelona senior setup for some time now.

Ansu Fati and Alejandro Balde have also both enjoyed regular first-team football at an earlier stage of their careers than Garrido.

Barcelona are unlikely to sanction a sale for the midfielder given Xavi's admiration, yet the report claims that Arsenal are planning to keep a close eye on the situation to see if that changes.

The Gunners are in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, with a deal for Kai Havertz understood to be close and continued links to Declan Rice.