Arsenal Transfer News: Real Madrid Wunderkind Gorka Zabarte Moreno Set to Sign

Real Madrid youngster Gorka Zabarte Moreno has "pretty much packed his bags" prior to a reported move to Arsenal, according to Marca (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Star).

Moreno, who is just 15 years old, can sign a professional contract with the Gunners when he turns 16 in January. Wilson notes the teenager's potential salary in north London will "net him more cash than anything he'd get in Spain," as Arsene Wenger reportedly dips into the youth market.

Twitter account Barclays League posted an image of the defender while linking to Jamie Sanderson's report in the Metro.

We've seen this activity before, of course. Wenger lured Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona at a similar age, a player who went on to captain Arsenal before moving back to the Camp Nou.

The Gunners boss also admitted trying to sign Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique during their developmental years.

"We wanted to take Fabregas, Messi and Pique," admitted the boss, per Sky Sports. "It worked only for Fabregas."

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Scouting such players at an early age is likely to become more important across the coming years. UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules—which task clubs competing in European football to break even—ensure even the elite must invest in youth to stop major sanctions being imposed.

Moreno is described as a "central defender noted for his speed and strength" by Madrid, per Wilson. Wenger is in desperate need of reinforcements, but the youngster would likely face years in the Arsenal academy before receiving an opportunity in the first team.

The manager has proved himself useful at progressing developing stars—just look at the impressive advancement of Calum Chambers—so he could offer Moreno a profitable environment in which to work.

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Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar is also said to be a target for the senior squad, as reported by Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express.

Wenger would be wise to significantly strengthen his main back line during the winter window, and a senior figure like Vlaar is undoubtedly more necessary. However, he cannot be blamed for scouting ahead in order to protect Arsenal's future.