Manchester United are reported to have been beaten to the signing of teenage sensation Yassin Fortune by Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to French Football.
The 16-year-old is deemed as one of the nation’s hottest prospects, and currently plies his trade for Lens Under-19s, but could make a switch to the Emirates, where fellow countryman Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of youth talents.
It is believed the midfielder was persuaded by Francis Coquelin, who has enjoyed his progress with the first team throughout the season, and now a regular in the starting XI for the Gunners.
The youngster was reported to be tracked by a number of Premier League and European clubs, but Louis van Gaal looks likely to miss out on his signature – being another manager who promotes the development of youth.
After securing Champions League football in his first season as Manchester United manager, van Gaal has been praised for his signing of young central defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who is a firm favourite to scoop the Player of the Year within the Under-18s.
However, the development of Fosu-Mensah was not enough to persuade Fortune, who shares the same agent as Manchester United’s latest prodigy. The Reds were previously linked to the youthful midfielder alongside Seppe Boonen, who has since made a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Fortune is currently a regular for the French Under-16 set-up, and has signed a three-year deal with his new side according to sources in his homeland. Despite his age, he has already been noted for his versatility, and could be an unfortunate loss for the Red Devils.
Nevertheless, supporters can expect to see some new youth talent heading to Carrington over the summer.
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