Sergio Canales is the Real deal, and that will disappoint English clubs

By Guillem Balague

Published 06:00 22/01/10

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The father of the latest Spanish teenage sensation, Sergio Canales, was in England this week to visit the Arsenal training ground and also meet representatives of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Sergio Canales Scouting Report  

The 18-year-old forward’s contact expires in the summer and he suddenly finds himself the centre of attention after scoring five goals in five games. His father, who also acts as his agent, has received a big money offer from City.

Chelsea have proposed a deal that would see him remain at Racing Santander for a season and a half, while Arsene Wenger has suggested he would use Canales in the Arsenal first team immediately.

Canales has asked Racing team-mate Xisco (on loan from Newcastle) about life in the Premier league, but the youngster favours staying in Spain for now – even at modest Santander – where he can continue to make steady progress in a less pressured environment.

Sources within his entourage tell me that the most likely scenario is that he will renew his contract with Racing, then reach a £4million deal with Real Madrid, who will allow him to remain in Santander on loan until he is ready for the goldfish bowl environment of the Bernabeu.

Guillem Balague's column appears in association with www.icons.com

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