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Arsenal battle Real Madrid for Uruguayan starlet Federico Valverde

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Rob Parker
 @ April 13th, 2015

Arsenal will go head-to-head with European champions Real Madrid in the race to sign Uruguayan youngster Federico Valverde, according to TMW.

The Gunners were reportedly the front-runners for the 16-year-old Penarol talent, but Real are now also pursuing the central midfielder.

According to the report, Arsenal were ready to make a bid that would have allowed them to beat fellow suitors Barcelona – currently subject to a transfer ban – to Valverde’s signing.

The youngster joined the Gunners for a week-long trial during the January transfer window, according to Uruguayan newspaper El Observador. The same report indicated that a €4m deal looked likely to be finalised.

But Real’s interest could now complicate matters.

Valverde is a Uruguay Under-17 international who reportedly caught the eye of scouts from other top European clubs during his appearances at the South American Under-17 Championship last month. He ended that tournament with seven goals in eight games.

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