Arsenal and Barcelona in competition to sign Montpellier prospect | OneFootball

Arsenal and Barcelona are both closely following a prospect from the Montpellier HSC academy, Lacine Megnan-Pavé (15), according to a report from L’Équipe. 

The forward has been bumped up the youth categories at his formative club, Montpellier, with whom he now plays for the U19 side. Last season, with the U17s, he netted 12 goals and made 12 assists in just 24 games, whilst he has also represented France at U16 level. 

He currently plays three age categories higher than his current age, and naturally, he is attracting interest from some big European clubs. L’Équipe understands that Arsenal and Barcelona are following Megnan-Pavé particularly closely. 

The forward has yet to sign his first professional deal and because of Montpellier’s financial situation, worsened by last season’s relegation to Ligue 2, Megnan-Pavé would represent relatively easy prey, given La Paillade’s inability to resist advances. 

However, they could look to retain their prospect by offering him a professional contract when he turns 16 and by integrating him into first-team training. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle