Arsenal are set to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signature of 16-year-old Mali striker Sidiki Maiga, following the youngster’s impressive performances at the under-17 World Cup.
According to Spanish paper Sport, as reported by the Daily Star, the striker has attracted the attention of a number of European giants after a number of outstanding performances at the recent tournament where Maiga scored three goals in seven appearances before his nation lost to Nigeria 2-0 in the final.
The young Malian is still currently playing within his home nation for AS Real Bamako, but his club may be resigned to losing the services of the talented striker, who is also comfortable playing out wide, as they would not be able to compete with the financial power of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, due to Maiga’s age, the 16-year-old will not be able to sign a professional deal until he is 18, whilst Barcelona would be unlikely to sign the Malian before then due to the transfer ban implemented by FIFA restricting the Catalan club from signing under-18s.
Yet, the Spanish club are reportedly undeterred by the restrictions placed upon them by FIFA and may look instead to securing first refusal on the striker following his 18th birthday.
