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Arsenal have received a stellar recommendation about the qualities of young defender Aron Sanchez, who they have reportedly asked to spend pre-season with the club.

The Gunners have continued to show their reputation for harbouring exciting youth talent in recent seasons. Bukayo Saka, who is still only 19, earned UEFA’s Star of the Match award for his England display against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. Emile Smith Rowe, meanwhile, turned his club’s form on its head at Christmas.

However, reports emerged last weekend that Arsenal are looking at adding to their youth ranks with Sanchez.

The 18-year-old Peruvian currently plays for Academia Cantolao in his country’s top division. Indeed, he has played every minute of his team’s campaign so far.

According to Football London, Arsenal have offered the centre-back a trial. Furthermore, they want the youngster to spend the full pre-season with the Gunners to show off his quality.

Arsenal are reportedly looking to the South American market as a new transfer avenue because of new Brexit regulations, which have made signing players from second-tier European clubs tougher.

Speaking to Peru-based outlet Ovacion (via Sport Witness) a source close to Cantolao’s board offered their verdict on the player and the links to Arsenal.

“There is definitely something concrete because the invitation is not only for him to go through a test but for him to do a whole preseason in England,” the source said.

“Without a doubt that shows that there is important interest in Aaron Sánchez and at Cantolao we will only wait for the deadlines to be defined.”

They added: “Apparently it’s Arsenal, but we’re going to wait for what the player’s representative to tell us.

“Aaron is a boy who has been growing by leaps and bounds, he’s very fast, he has a good size, he’s technical and knows a lot with the ball on his feet.

“He’s only 18 years old and I have no doubt that he will play abroad. He made his debut at 16 and did very well.”

Sanchez has progressed to Peru’s Under-20 ranks from Under-17 level, but is yet to make his international debut.

Arsenal defensive transfers face consequences

As for the Gunners’ first-team plans, boss Mikel Arteta is looking to add a top centre-half to his side.

Brighton’s Ben White looks to be that man, with Arsenal having a £40million bid rejected recently.

One report has claimed, though, that with the England international’s signing approaching, an Arsenal man could be pushed out of Arteta’s plans.

READ MORE: Anguished Arsenal man sees cruel Arteta U-turn approach as top signing nears

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