Oriol Romeu
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering once again taking advantage of Barcelona 's famed academy to prize away young midfielder Oriol Romeu .
Arsenal famously tempted a young Cesc Fabregas to leave the club that he grew up at to move to North London. Now, according to Spanish daily 'Sport', Wenger is considering making a similar move for Barcelona 's promising defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu .
The 18-year-old was extremely impressive for Barcelona 's reserve team last season and it was thought that Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola might grant Romeu a step up to the first team this season, particularly as back up for Sergio Busquets . However, the signing of Javier Mascherano has left Romeu's chances of first-team action as distant as ever.
'Sport' reports that Romeu is yet to hold talks with Barcelona on a contract extension and Arsenal boss Wenger is lying in wait to snap up the youngster, should he fail to agree a new deal with the Catalan club.
Romeu is strong and quick, which gives him the ability to impose himself on the midfield. However, Romeu is also a versatile player, also able to play in defence.