Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their interest in Norwegian teenager Gabriel Rajkovic, who has made a record-breaking start to senior football with Valerenga.
The 15-year-old is understood to have attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading clubs after breaking into the Norwegian side earlier this year. Reports say Arsenal and Chelsea have each prepared detailed scouting dossiers on the youngster following his progress in recent months.
Arsenal and Chelsea track Gabriel Rajkovic
Rajkovic became the youngest player in Eliteserien history when he made his debut at 15 years and 20 days old. In doing so, he surpassed the previous record held by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
His progress continued in August when he scored his first top-flight goal against Bodo/Glimt. The teenager’s performances have since drawn interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham also reported to have monitored him.
Arsenal and Chelsea were among the clubs to watch Rajkovic in person during the summer, indicating the level of attention surrounding his development.
Rajkovic is regarded as a versatile player who can operate centrally or in a wider position. Scouts have also been impressed by his physical development and ability to use both feet.
Interest is not limited to England, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Juventus also believed to have followed the Norwegian’s progress.
Rajkovic remains contracted to Valerenga, but his rapid rise has put his future under increasing scrutiny. Arsenal and Chelsea are likely to remain among the clubs to watch if he decides to move on to the next stage of his career.
