Arsenal and Manchester United have emerged as contenders in the pursuit of Israeli wonderkid Oscar Gloukh, who is also attracting interest from Barcelona.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg, has been in exceptional form at the European Under-21 Championships, with his performances catching the attention of top clubs.
Gloukh’s agent, Shahar Greenberg, acknowledged the significant interest in his client, stating, “There has been so much interest in Oscar for the last few months but we will have to wait to discuss any offers with his club.”
The young prodigy showcased his talent by scoring the decisive penalty in Israel’s quarter-final victory over Georgia.
Hailing from Rehovot, Gloukh began his youth career at Maccabi Sha’arayim before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he spent most of his developmental years.
He made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in August 2021 and has since progressed remarkably, earning a call-up to the senior national team.
Gloukh’s notable performances have propelled Israel to the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championships. In January, he secured a move to Red Bull Salzburg in a deal worth €7 million.
Since then, the highly sought-after midfielder has contributed two goals and two assists in 17 appearances.
His impressive progress has captured the attention of several prominent clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Barcelona has closely monitored Gloukh for some time, expressing interest in the young sensation prior to his move to Red Bull Salzburg.
The ongoing pursuit of Gloukh by top clubs may be attributed to Real Madrid’s recent acquisition of Arda Guler.
Arsenal, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, has been undergoing a youth revolution, with numerous prospects flourishing under his tutelage.
Gloukh’s versatility and potential make him an attractive long-term option for bolstering Arsenal’s midfield.
Meanwhile, Manchester United could benefit from the qualities Gloukh possesses, especially amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay.
While primarily an attacking midfielder, Gloukh can also operate as a box-to-box player, making him a viable target for Manchester United.
In addition to Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and RB Leipzig have also expressed interest in securing Gloukh’s services.
However, Leipzig may face difficulties in acquiring the teenage sensation, as Gloukh has expressed a desire for his next venture to be in either England or Spain.
It remains to be seen if any of the high-profile suitors can entice him away from Red Bull Salzburg during the current transfer window.
