Manchester City lead Arsenal and Chelsea in transfer race for Polish attacking midfielder | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium officials have moved ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign a highly-rated Under-17 talent from Poland, whose transfer value has also been revealed.

That concerns attacking midfielder Oksar Pietuszewski, who has shone in the Polish first tier Ekstraklasa, recording three goals and two assists in 16 appearances while playing primarily as a winger with versatility to operate centrally or across the forward line.

Scouts have praised the 17-year-old for some time due to his ability to dictate play from deep or burst forward, making him an intriguing fit for Pep Guardiola’s side – who remains two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League following Sunday’s 0-3 win over Crystal Palace. 

In-turn for his eye-catching performances, Pietuszewski has attracted multiple teams from across Europe and garnered a reputation as one of Poland’s most complete teenage talents in a long time. 

Manchester City’s interest has intensified after dispatching scouts to his native country multiple times this season. It has previously been reported that Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the race, holding preliminary discussions with Pietuszewski’s representatives.

But, according to TEAMtalk, it is understood that Pep Guardiola’s side and those in recruitment positions have moved ahead of their Premier League competitors in the contest to acquire the wonder-kid’s signature. 

The teenager’s contract runs out in 2027 and does not include a release clause, which gives his club, Jagliellona Bialystok the opportunity to demand as much money as they like within reasonable boundaries. 

At present, Pietuszewski has a reported valuation of £13 million but that could rise with performance bonuses and ultimately shatter his side’s record sale – which was Ante Crnac to Norwich City last summer for £8.5 million plus add-ons.

European teams like Ajax, LOSC Lille, Bologna and even Barcelona have also reportedly scouted the attacker but it seems that the clubs in England hold the edge despite the fact that Pietuszewski will want to retain some level of first-team minutes.

There are waves of uncertainty around whether Guardiola would integrate the youngster straight away, but City are known for their star-studded academy and it is likely that Pietuszewski could follow the trail paved by the likes of Phil Foden.

Nevertheless, sources quotes in recent reports suggest that he will stay at Jagiellonia until the summer unless an irresistible offer arises from a club of interest, fuelling speculation of a mid-season coup. 

Hugo Viana, Manchester City’s sporting director, is likely to grant Guardiola some spending money in January, but those funds could be used to procure £100 million man Elliot Anderson or trigger Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause instead.