---
title: "Arsenal in the bidding for Ilias Akhomach"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/ilias-akhomach-transfer-news-leeds-barcelona/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Clancy"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2023-03-24T20:41:13Z"
modified: "2023-03-24T20:41:13Z"
---

# Arsenal in the bidding for Ilias Akhomach

**[Arsenal](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-fc-news/) are reportedly in the bidding to sign FC Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach on a free transfer this summer.**

### The Lowdown: Akhomach profiled

Akhomach is an 18-year-old winger from the Barcelona Academy, for whom he has played 48 times four in total over all competitions, scoring five goals ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ilias-akhomach/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/709969)).

He has also made [three](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ilias-akhomach/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/709969/plus/0?saison=&verein=131&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) appearances for the senior team, but none so far this season.

Akhomach is out of contract in the [summer](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ilias-akhomach/profil/spieler/709969), meaning that he can leave as a free agent, with [reports](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-agreement-ilias-akhomach-transfer-news/) claiming Leeds may have already agreed a deal to sign him.

### The Latest: Arsenal interest

As per Spanish news outlet [Sport](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-base/arsenal-apuesta-fuerte-ilias-85052632), Arsenal are also ‘in the bidding’ for Akhomach, and have been closely following him.

However, they will indeed face competition from fellow [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) rivals Leeds for his signature, as well as Sevilla, AC Milan and another unnamed club.

### The Verdict: Great opportunity

The summer provides a great opportunity for the Gunners to snap up a young talent in Akhomach for no cost.

There are many famous names to have come out of Barca’s Academy before, namely current Arsenal manager [Mikel Arteta](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/mikel-arteta/), as well as the great Lionel Messi.

Akhomach has even been nicknamed ‘[the new Messi](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/03/03/new-messi-set-to-leave-for-free-but-leeds-may-be-about-to-miss-out/)‘ by footballing legend and former Barcelona director Patrick Kluivert, which is as big of a compliment as you can get as a young footballer, and so is destined to have a bright future in the game.

As well as playing for Barcelona, he has also represented Spain [22](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ilias-akhomach/nationalmannschaft/spieler/709969) times at youth level, and is currently the [captain](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ilias-akhomach/nationalmannschaft/spieler/709969) of the U19s.

Nonetheless, Akhomach is showing maturity and leadership skills from a young age, much like Arteta as a former captain at the Emirates Stadium.