LIVERPOOL and Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race for Roma striker Umar Sadiq, according to reports in Italy.
The Nigerian youngster has attracted interest following an impressive season in the Italian capital.
The 19-year-old – who has been compared to former Nigeria star Nwankwo Kanu – has scored two goals in six Serie A appearances for Roma while he has found the net 19 times in 18 games for their youth teams.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Sadiq last month and are believed to have had a £15.8m bid rejected, while the player’s agent Mohammes Laval confirmed the Gunners had opened talks over a possible deal.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports: “Sadiq is currently on loan at Roma from Serie B side Spezia but the report claims Roma plan to make his move permanent before immediately selling him on at a profit.
“Roma will sign him for £2m but director of football Walter Sabatini already has a list of teams who want the teenager.
“It is claimed Roma will want at least £9.6m for Sadiq although last month All Nigeria Soccer suggested a fee could be considerably higher.”
In excess of £10m seems a hefty fee for a striker who clearly has potential but is as-yet relatively unproven at the top level.
Not sure Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be prepared to splash out that much on a teenager, although Sadiq in partnership with compatriot and emerging Arsenal star Alex Iwobi would be an exciting partnership for the future.
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