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Leeds United transfers: Barcelona man ‘on his way’ to Elland Road after Whites beat Arsenal in race for clever signing

Victor Orta of Leeds

Leeds United could soon announce the arrival of a Barcelona player as they are poised to strike a transfer agreement for him after fending off Arsenal, according to a report.

Barca have one of the best academies in the world, having produced world-renowned stars such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carlos Puyol. More recently, the Spanish giants have played a big role in developing exciting young players such as Gavi, Ansu Fati and Alejandro Balde.

It is not uncommon for young Barca players to swap Spain for England in search of first-team opportunities. This is a path that has been trodden by the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and Hector Bellerin. And Ilias Akhomach could soon join that list.

The attacker, who can operate as a winger on either flank or at centre-forward, has refused to extend his contract with Barca. And with his current terms due to expire in June, rival clubs have been alerted to the situation.

On March 28, Leeds director of football Victor Orta confirmed he was attempting to snare Akhomach. However, Orta revealed that plenty of other clubs were involved in the transfer race, putting Leeds’ move in doubt.

Arsenal were revealed to be one of Leeds’ transfer rivals. However, it now looks like Akhomach will be heading to west Yorkshire.

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According to Spanish outlet Sport, Leeds are on the verge of signing Akhomach. They are in advanced talks with both Barca and the player’s camp over a move.

Leeds may have to pay compensation for Akhomach due to him being in Barca’s second team and the fact he is a product of their academy. However, this should not be a huge sum in comparison with normal transfer fees.

Leeds in pole position to complete Barcelona raid

Leeds are described as having ‘won the race’ for Akhomach, with the player ‘on his way’ to Elland Road.

The report adds that in addition to Arsenal, AC Milan and Sevilla were also providing Javi Gracia’s side with competition for the 19-year-old.

But Leeds have managed to convince Akhomach to join them instead. The main reason for this is that he is more likely to play often for them than any of his other suitors.

Akhomach has been impressed by the amount of game time young players such as Willy Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Illan Meslier and Joe Gelhardt have received in the last season or two. And he wants a piece of the action.

It must be noted that the Spain U19 international still holds Barca in high regard after all they have done for his development. However, he could not stay there as he saw no obvious route into the first team. Plus, there will have also been issues with a new contract.

Barca have reached agreements on new contracts with the likes of Gavi and Balde but have not been able to register them due to their financial difficulties and La Liga coming down hard on them.

It seems Akhomach will continue his development in England from this summer onwards. He faces a tough test to get into the Leeds team ahead of their current crop of wingers, though he has good pedigree and will back himself all the way.

Meanwhile, Leeds and Crystal Palace are being tipped to do battle over the capture of a Manchester United player.