Arsenal have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to sign Velez Sarsfield midfielder Thiago Almada.

The 19-year-old, dubbed 'the new Lionel Messi', has attracted attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs since breaking into the Velez first team in 2018.

Almada has scored nine goals and registered four assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, including five goals and two assists in 25 outings this season.

Man City and Manchester United have been tipped to go head to head with each other over his signature, and Mundo Deportivo claims that Arsenal are now prepared to offer more Premier League competition.

Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest in the Argentine, who could be available for around £15m.

Almada's contract at Velez does not expire until 2023, but he has a release clause of €22m (£19.7m), which will rise to €25m (£22.4m) on August 31.