Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly both interested in a potential transfer deal for Everton wonderkid Thierry Small.
The talented 16-year-old looks a huge prospect coming through at Goodison Park, but the Toffees could now have reason to sweat over his future at the club.
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According to The Athletic, Man Utd and Arsenal are keen to lure Small away from Everton, with the young defender not turning up to pre-season training this week.
This could mean it’s going to be very difficult for Everton to keep hold of Small, with big clubs clearly feeling he could be a fine signing.
United and Arsenal both have a strong history of promoting young players and giving them the chance to shine at senior level, so that could be tempting for a talent like Small.
The teenager might perhaps look at Wayne Rooney, who came up through Everton’s academy before joining United at a young age and going on to have a legendary career at Old Trafford.
Small could do well to follow that example, though it’s always a gamble as there’s no guarantee of getting as much playing time at a bigger club where there is so much competition for places.
It’s also worth questioning if joining someone like Arsenal right now would really be a step up from Everton, with the Gunners not the force they once were in the early years of Arsene Wenger’s reign.