csconstantine.com

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)—Arsenal has poached another player from Barcelona’s lauded youth academy.

Barcelona confirms that 16-year-old Jon Toral is set to follow in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas and join the Gunners from next season.

Spanish reports said the north London club paid ?350,000 ($480,500) for Toral, who was free to sign with any professional team.

Toral came through the Spanish champion’s La Masia ranks like new teammate Fabregas and fellow prospect Fran Merida, who were both signed by Arsenal as teenagers. World Cup champion Fabregas is captain at Arsenal and Merida is now with Atletico Madrid.

The lanky Toral, who is listed as a midfielder in Barcelona’s youth team, reportedly has roots in Britain, where his mother is from.

Labels: Academy, Arsenal, Barcelona, prospect, signs