Manchester City and Arsenal are the two teams “leading the race” to snap up Dinamo Tbilisi forward Vakhtang Salia, according to HITC Football.
The website claims that the Premier League title rivals have been keeping a close eye on the player’s progress in recent months.
Salia is widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in world football and he has already begun to make an impact at senior level, despite only being 16 years of age.
Tbilisi handed the teenager his first team debut at the end of last season, making three appearances in late November to mid-December. He has started this campaign as a first-team regular, making 6 appearances, scoring 2 goals and contributing 2 assists.
Salia’s progress is being monitored by a host of other clubs
HITC report that City and Arsenal are among several teams scouting the forward, with Chelsea and Tottenham having sent representatives to see him in action, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also “aware” of his performances.
Clubs in mainland Europe, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG, have been credited with an interest in Salia as well so Pep Guardiola’s side may have a difficult time securing his signature.
The City target could follow in the footsteps of another Georgian
Georgia has never really been a hotbed for footballing talent. Of course, City had one of the best players that the country ever produced: Georgi Kinkladze.
However, in recent seasons, a real superstar has emerged in the form of Napoli’s Kvhicha Kvaratskelia, who made his breakthrough at Tbilisi, much like Salia has done.
Whether the 16-year-old can replicate Kvaratskhelia’s success by moving to a high-profile European team and making an immediate impression, we shall see. However, it does appear there is a massive battle brewing for his services.
