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BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 17:  Munir El Haddadi of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between FC Barcelona and APOEL FC at the Camp Nou Stadium on September 17, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.  (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 17: Munir El Haddadi of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between FC Barcelona and APOEL FC at the Camp Nou Stadium on September 17, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)David Ramos/Getty Images

Arsenal Transfer News: Munir El Haddadi Plans Threatened, Adrien Rabiot Latest

Nick AkermanSep 23, 2014

Arsenal's hopes of signing Barcelona wonderkid Munir El Haddadi could be seriously impacted by the lurking interest of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.

Munir has burst onto the Camp Nou scene after starring in the club's La Masia academy, taking advantage of first-team opportunities handed to him by new boss Luis Enrique. Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star reports both Bayern and PSG are "tracking the progress" of a player who netted on his La Liga debut against Elche.

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC also throws weight to the claims, indicating Arsenal may have to act quickly once the January transfer window opens:

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Munir has a €12 million (roughly £9.4 million) buyout clause in his current contract, according to the Daily Star (via Metro). While the 19-year-old has only represented Barcelona on a handful of occasions, this can be considered a cheap price for an individual whose talent has already shone at senior level.

The emerging forward is a fast learner—someone who isn't phased by competing with the likes of Neymar and Pedro for game time—making him an attractive prospect to Europe's elite. Munir is comfortable on either wing and can also float toward the centre when needed, making him a typical selection for Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal's squad is crammed with attacking players who can slot in across the board. The likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski are yet to fully reach their potential in a Gunners shirt, with the German most likely to depart if additional attacking numbers are brought in.

Munir offers everything Wenger looks for in a signing—natural ability, versatility and the willingness to improve—ensuring he is equipped to become a fan favourite wherever he ends up.

If PSG were to prove successful in their pursuit, he could certainly become a key player in Laurent Blanc's 4-3-3 formation. Edinson Cavani is currently tasked with playing out of position in a wide role at the Parc des Princes, a tactical frustration that could see the Uruguayan exit.

Anthony Chapman of the Express reports Arsenal could be interested in signing Cavani, perhaps ending their interest in Munir and providing PSG with a boost along the route to his capture.

Arsenal may also have a greater chance of signing Adrien Rabiot from the French champions if PSG are able to strengthen their squad elsewhere. Rabiot's exit looked likely across the summer, but Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia now believes Arsenal are "seriously pursuing" a player who could also join Roma, Juventus or Inter Milan.

Rabiot isn't the defensive-midfield type Arsenal currently crave, but he has the potential to be an important member of Wenger's team. The Frenchman operates in central areas, where he is comfortable with distributing play. He is capable of tackling hard, but currently lacks the physical attributes to settle in a specialist defensive midfield role.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on September 20, 2014 in Birmingham, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

As ever, Wenger will need to work avidly if he is to improve Arsenal's squad in January. The club is crying out for a midfield destroyer and defensive reinforcements above all else, so it is entirely possible interest in Munir could subside as the club deals with more pressing issues.

Wenger recently admitted failing to sign a young Cristiano Ronaldo is his "biggest regret" in football, reported by Ashley Clements of the Daily Mail, meaning he may be willing to take more of a risk when trying to land Barcelona's prodigy, if only not to miss out on a potential world-beater once more.

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