English Barclay’s Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly hot on the heels of fast-rising Nigerian wonder kid, Emmanuel Bakare. The petite wing wizard, 14, was one of the star players that graced the recently concluded Copa Africa football tournament in South Africa. The tournament is an annual competition organised by soft drinks giants Coca Cola for youth teams fromall over Africa who represent their countries.

Speaking with News Express on his return from South Africa, Bakare informs that his representatives have been contacted by the Arsenal officials and that negotiations are ongoing. His words: “Arsenal scouts who were in South Africa expressed satisfaction with the way I played. I had encouraging words from them and I hope and trust that I can have a good deal because I have love for the Gunners.”

The wing dazzler was picked as Copa Nigeria’s best player this year after posting very impressive performances in the Coca Cola Cup held earlier in the year across the country. His strength in the game lies in fanciful trickery with his feet, laced with good pace and a low centre of gravity that makes him difficult to be dispossessed when he has the ball. Many who have taken a liking to his game have christened him the ‘New Messi’.

NewsExpress monitored the Copa Cup competition in South Africa where scouts from different top European teams were on hand to identify exciting young talents, while trying to reach deals with their agents with a view to signing them.

Arsenal had a conspicuous presence with top scout Mark Ellis keenly watching the games. The London giants have a long and admirable tradition of unearthing unknown prospects. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, is reputed for his eye for talented greenhorns, and turning them into world stars. Many years ago he signed an unknown Liberian from a Cameroonian club side. George Opong Weah went on to become the world’s best player in 2005.

•Photo shows Arsenal’s scout Mark Ellis with Emmanuel Bakare (right) in South Africa.