Arsenal rekindle interest in €60m playmaker they first spotted at 19 | OneFootball

More than two years after first tracking him, Arsenal are once again linked with a move for Alberto Moleiro, as they prepare for a summer of key decisions.

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Arsenal have reportedly renewed their interest in Alberto Moleiro, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder from UD Las Palmas, as they look to strengthen creative options in midfield and wide areas this summer. Moleiro, who first came onto Arsenal’s radar in late 2022, is once again attracting serious attention following another strong season in La Liga.

Back in November 2022, Arsenal were first reported to be tracking Moleiro alongside Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City. At the time, he had just signed a new deal with Las Palmas until 2026 and was valued at around €3 million. The rumours never seemed to go anywhere after that.

The situation has shifted dramatically since then. Now with 145 senior appearances, 13 top-flight goals and several seasons of regular football behind him, Moleiro’s price and reputation have both grown. He is now valued at around €25m, but it will likely take more to sign him.

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Moleiro holds dual nationality with Spain and Cuba, and has played for Spain at under-19 and under-21 level. Described as a rare hybrid of midfielder and winger, he possesses what Francisco Rico called “the close control and press-resistant awareness of space of a modern-day midfielder, while also having the electric pace and dribbling ability of a natural winger.”

That unique profile is what drew interest over two years ago, and why Arsenal are once again involved now.

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Moleiro’s €60 million release clause could be a sticking point, but with Las Palmas likely to be relegated, reports in Spain suggest he may be available for significantly less.

According to Orgullo Biri, Arsenal and Newcastle United are both in the mix this time round.

Newcastle’s interest is tied to their need for depth ahead of another European campaign, but Arsenal’s pursuit is more focused. With Andrea Berta now leading the club’s transfer operations and Mikel Arteta seeking more variety in attacking midfield roles, Moleiro fits the profile: young, technical, versatile, and used to carrying a side on his back.

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Pepe Mel, the manager who first brought him into the Las Palmas senior squad, made the early judgment clear. “From the first day I saw him training, I realised that he had something different. He was a child, but since then he has grown a lot physically,” Mel told Mundo Deportivo a few years back.

This season Moleiro has continued to show signs of development, contributing key goals and assists and earning comparisons to Pedri, who also came through the Las Palmas system. Moleiro himself addressed that in an interview with Football Espana.

“People have compared me to Pedri, he also played for Las Palmas, he left a year before I started playing, it’s only natural that people compare us, and I feel proud that people do so,” he said. “But we’re very different in the way we play. I like a lot of players, Pedri, Fermin from Barcelona, any player that likes the ball, players that are technically gifted.”

Arsenal are expected to move for an attacking midfielder this summer. Fábio Vieira has failed to convince and Leandro Trossard may leave with interest from Saudi Arabia. Moleiro’s ability to play both centrally and out wide adds to his appeal, especially in a system that demands fluidity and high technical ability.