Arsenal Track Elche Star Likened to Barcelona Sensation Pedri

Arsenal’s recruitment team has stepped up their scouting efforts in Spain as the club continues searching for the next generation of elite midfield talent. According to reports from Spain, the Gunners have placed Elche’s highly rated young playmaker under close observation — a player many scouts have already compared to Barcelona sensation Pedri due to his elite composure, vision, and tactical intelligence.

The 19-year-old, whose performances have been one of the few bright spots in Elche’s season, has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most technically gifted prospects in the Segunda División. Blessed with an exceptional first touch and the ability to glide past opponents under pressure, he has demonstrated qualities that make him stand out far beyond his age group.

A Player in the Pedri Mold

What has caught Arsenal’s attention is not just his technical quality, but his playing profile — one often described as “Pedri-like.”
Scouts praise his:

• Elite spatial awareness
• Calmness in tight areas
• Quick, progressive passing
• Ability to dictate rhythm from midfield
• Mature decision-making uncommon in teenagers

His performances have created a buzz across Spain, with coaches describing him as a “natural metronome,” capable of controlling the flow of the game much like Pedri does for Barcelona and Spain.

Arsenal’s Midfield Vision Aligns Perfectly

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have prioritized recruiting technically intelligent young talents who can thrive in a possession-based system. The pursuit of this Elche prospect aligns perfectly with the club’s long-term project, which has already seen the arrivals of players such as Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Fabio Vieira.

Arteta is thought to be searching for another midfielder who can operate between the lines, break down compact defenses, and offer creativity in central areas — attributes the young Elche star possesses in abundance.

Strong Interest From Premier League Rivals

Arsenal are not alone in their admiration. Several Premier League clubs, including Brighton, Aston Villa, and West Ham, have reportedly sent scouts to track the player in recent weeks. His rapid development and stylistic similarities to Pedri have made him one of the most in-demand young midfielders in Spain.

A source close to the player revealed that he is “fully focused on Elche for now,” but would be open to a move abroad if the right project emerges.

Elche’s Stance and Potential Price Tag

Elche are aware of the growing interest and are expected to hold out for a significant transfer fee. While the exact valuation is unclear, Spanish outlets suggest the club could demand between €20–30 million, depending on negotiations and potential add-ons.

Given Arsenal’s history of scouting Liga talent early — such as Gabriel Martinelli and Cesc Fàbregas in earlier eras — the club may move decisively to avoid a bidding war as his reputation continues to rise.

A Summer Battle Brewing

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s interest is expected to intensify. With the club competing on multiple fronts and aiming to continue building one of the strongest young squads in Europe, securing a midfielder of this profile would be another statement of intent.

For now, Arsenal will continue monitoring the rising Spanish star as his development accelerates. If his trajectory continues, he could soon become one of the standout names of the upcoming transfer window — and possibly the next addition to Arsenal’s ambitious project under Arteta.