Arsenal are preparing a surprise raid on Barcelona as Arsene Wenger is keen on bringing youngster Antonio Sanabri to the Emirates this summer, according to the Mirror. The 17-year-old is considered to be one of the brightest talent of the Spanish side's academy and the north London are keen on acquiring him this summer.

The forward is currently in Turkey with Paraguay for the ongoing 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup. Sanabri played a crucial role in his side's 1-0 win over Mexico, providing an assist to Derlis Gonzalez, who netted the only goal of the game.

Despite being 17, Sanabri has been a regular inclusion in Paraguay's U20 side and has also been a key member of Barcelona's Youth Team, which won the league title last season.

Arsenal have shared a good relationship with the Spanish champions and in recent times, they have seen several players moving in both the direction. Wenger signed another jewel of Barcelona's academy, Cesc Fabregas, who then returned to Camp Nou after becoming a top class player at the north London club.

In addition to this, several Arsenal players like Alex Song, Alexander Hleb have moved to Camp Nou in the past few years. The La Liga giants are keen on retaining the forward while Wenger is planning to persuade Sanabri to join the Gunners this summer.

Any move from Arsenal for the signature of the teenager will not be an easy task as the English side are believed to face competition from Italy. Tutto Mercato Web claims Inter Milan, Juventus and Udinese are also in the race for Sanabri's signature, if Barcelona allow him to leave this summer.

Cesar Hints Arsenal Move

Julio Cesar
Reuters

Meanwhile, Brazil's Confederations Cup winning goalkeeper Julio Cesar has now hinted a move to the Emirates could still be on the card. The former Inter Milan star is closing on leaving Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal are keen on landing him this summer. The 33-year-old stopper was the star during Brazil's 3-0 win over World Champions Spain to seal their fourth Confederations Cup.

"I love the city [London] and I'm enjoying living there. Now I have to do things right at my club so I can be considered for the World Cup," Cesar said.

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