Monday 28 March 2016 19:45, UK
Could highly-rated youngster Domingos Quina be set to swap Chelsea for Arsenal?
The Blues, especially during former boss Jose Mourinho's tenure at Stamford Bridge, have not been renowned for their willingness to blood their young talent.
With the exception of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and recent first-team call-up Bertrand Traore, youngsters have struggled to make an impression at the Bridge, and one of Chelsea's most exciting prospects looks like he has had enough.
According to The Times, Quina has not returned to Chelsea after international duty in Croatia on Tuesday, and plans to train on his own until he can find a new club.
But who is this fantastic fledgling that is reportedly on the verge of a move to Arsenal? We take a look…
Factfile
Name: Domingos Quina
Age: 16
Place of birth: Guinea-Bassau, west Africa
Position: Forward
Background
Born in Guinea-Bassau, west Africa, Quina spent most of his childhood in Portugal, where his ability was noticed by Portuguese giants Benfica.
Chelsea signed 13-year-old Quina to London on scholarship terms, and had high hopes for the flamboyant forward, with plans afoot to offer him a full contract this year.
However, with FA rules meaning youngsters cannot be tied down until they turn 17, a host of Premier League clubs have been watching Quina in the hope of being able to snap up his services.
Quina has also played a pivotal role on the international stage, having helped Portugal U17s top their UEFA elite-round group - with scouts from several of the Premier League's top clubs in attendance.
Style of play
Quina has caught the eye with his penchant for a dazzling dribble and fleet-footed skills. Deployed predominantly as a No 10, his pace and poise means he is equally adept out wide or as part of a front three.
The Blues' youngster is capable of some spectacular strikes from distance, with one particular effort from a long way out for a Chelsea age-group side attracting plenty of attention on social media.
Watching scouts were treated to another example of Quina's impressive accuracy from range, as he found the net in Portugal U17s' dominant 7-3 victory over their English counterparts at Burton Albion in August.
Such dynamism for someone so young is what has attracted so many suitors, with the spectacular goals a major plus.
What now?
Scouts from Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool have all monitored the midfielder's performances for Chelsea U18s, and interested clubs were in attendance in Croatia last week, as Quina played 90 minutes in Portugal U17s' 4-2 victory.
Arsenal are reportedly to be the front runners to secure Quina's services.
