Arsenal battling Barcelona for Aston Villa wonderkid branded "best in England"

Arsenal and Barcelona are both interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, according to reports.

The 18-year-old is an England U19 international - winning eight caps to date - and was part of the Villa team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2020-21. He's played 19 senior games to date, 11 of which have come in the Premier League this season.

Chukwuemeka, who joined Villa's academy from Northampton Town in 2016, is eligible to play for England, Austria and Nigeria at international level and was described as 'the best 16-year-old footballer in England' by Villa CEO Christian Purslow in March 2020.

As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff and director of football Mateu Alemany met with Chukwuemeka's representatives on Tuesday to discuss a potential transfer. These were thought to be just initial talks.

The Gunners are also believed to be keen on signing Chukwuemeka but much will depend on extension talks with Villa. He has just 13 months left on his existing deal and Steven Gerrard's side want to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Villa have made a number of big-name signings since Gerrard was appointed manager in November - including Lucas Digne, Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos. They are looking to strengthen their squad and won't want to lose Chukwuemeka.

Chukwuemeka has received plenty of flattering reviews during his blossoming career. "Chukwuemeka was very good," said Arsenal legend Paul Merson following Villa's 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford in August - a game the youngster started.

"He has got a bright future. I don’t see a lot of the kid’s football. First-half, he was outstanding. He was gliding across the pitch.