Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino is the subject of an international tug-of-war involving England and Spain.
The two elite nations are looking to secure the teenager's future services with his stock firmly on the rise.
17-year-old Patino joined the Gunners from Luton back in 2015 and has represented England at U15, U16 and U17 level.
Spain though remain an option for the teenager due to his father and he already possesses dual nationality.
Cadena Ser reports that the the Arsenal youngster is ‘marked in red’ in La Roja’s offices.
They claim that efforts began months ago to convince Patino to commit his future to the 2010 World Cup winners.
The teenager himself spoke highly of Spain and its style of play, having been influenced by former Gunners like Cesc Fabregas.
He told Arsenal’s official website: “I’ve always had an appreciation for that Spanish style of play. Growing up I adored Santi Cazorla as a player, and Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta were some of my favourites too.
“But there’s something about Santi for me and the qualities that he had – he was something else.”
Were Patino to choose Spain it would be yet another blow to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who has missed out on a number of stars.
Jamal Musiala, once of Chelsea, had played for England's youth ranks but recently opted to play for Germany.
The teenager has impressed at Bayern Munich and was part of the German's efforts at Euro 2020.
Southgate has been keen to put his faith in youth but with so many options inevitably players will pursue other avenues if they cannot break into the set-up.
That looks to be the case with Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is set to switch allegiances to Ghana.
Patino's loss would certainly sting, especially given how highly regarded he is.
He cost Arsenal a reported £10,000 when he was just 12 years old.
According to The Sun, some believe he is better than Jack Wilshere was at 16 whilst also drawing comparisons with Manchester City star Phil Foden.
Despite his tender age Patino has previously played for the Under-23s in Premier League 2, scoring against Chelsea in February.
Should Charlie Patino be handed his first team debut this year? Comment below
He was handed his first professional contract last October and has been involved in first team training as he remains firmly on Mikel Arteta's radar.
“We are happy to sign that first contract, Charlie has worked hard,” his father told La Opinión a Coruña.
“Arteta and all the technicians love him, but not only for what he does on the pitch.
“He doesn’t give problems, he listens, he asks them, he is interested in what they tell him.”
