Arsenal close in on BARGAIN £4.5m deal for Argentine wonderkid dubbed 'new Messi'

ARSENAL are on the verge of signing 16-year-old Argentine wonderkid Maximiliano Romero.

Arsene WengerGETTY

Arsene Wenger is closing in on a new signing

Romero has been dubbed 'the next Lionel Messi' in his homeland despite not having made a senior appearance for his club side Velez Sarsfield.

However, the youngster has reportedly caught the eye of Gunners scouts and a £4.5million deal is now close.

Velez president Raul Gamez told The Sun: "Arsenal have made a big offer for Maxi Romero. I don't want to talk figures just yet but it's a big offer."

Arsenal have made a big offer for Maxi Romero.

Velez president Raul Gamez

Romero's agent Rolando Zarate said: "I met with Arsene Wenger twice in London. They heard about Maxi through their scouts in South America. He is the player who has most impressed him.

"Maxi has huge potential but he is going to complete apprenticeship at a great club like Velez."

It is claimed that the £4.5m will see Arsenal purchase 80 per cent of Romero's playing rights, with a further £900,000 due in 2017.

Romero would remain in Argentina until that time, before linking up with the London outfit once he turns 18.

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