Arsenal are tracking Barcelona youngster Ilias Akhomach, but what else is there to know about the Spanish youth internatonal winger?
Ilias Akhomach is a Spanish youth international winger who currently plays for Barcelona. He made his senior debut for the club in November 2021 at the age of 17, starting in a 1-0 victory over Espanyol. However, he has mostly played for Barcelona Atletic since then. The 19-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing him as a back-up to Bukayo Saka. Not much is known about Akhomach’s playing style or abilities, as he has had limited exposure to first-team football. However, he is highly regarded as a promising talent within Barcelona’s youth system.
What position does Akhomach play in?
Akhomach is a right winger, hence Arsenal identifying him as an ideal understudy to their former academy star Saka, but he has also played on the opposite flank and right up front coming up through the ranks at Barca.
How good is Akhomach?
Xavi certainly though Akohmach was promising enough to put him in for this first game as manager – that 1-0 win over Espanyol – but with Ferran Torres and Raphinha since joining Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati among his wide attacking options, he hasn’t been able to build on that.
Akhomach remains a talented player, though. He won the North African U15 Championship with Morocco in 2018, and is since capped up to under-19 level with Spain.
Primarily a left-footed right-winger, Akhomach is expert at dribbling his way out of trouble, and if Mikel Arteta can help add some accuracy to an already-powerful shot, he could have a serious attacking outlet on his hands.
What clubs are interested in Akhomach?
Leeds were understood to be at the front of the queue to sign Akhomach but the move fell through with director of football Victor Orta leaving the club, allowing Arsenal to swoop in.
AC Milan and Sevilla have also been credited with an interest in the youngster, but the Gunners are now favourites to sign him.
When does Akhomach’s contract expire?
Akhomach’s contract at Camp Nou expires on 30 June 2023.
How old is Akhomach?
Born on 16 April 2004, Akhomach is 19 years old at the time of writing.
He shares a birthdate with former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg.
What is Akhomach’s Instagram?
Akhomach’s Instagram can be found under the handle iliasakhomach. He has 284k followers as of May 2023.