India, Oct. 20 -- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has initiated contact to explore the ambitious signing of Barcelona teenage full-back Xavi Espart ahead of the January transfer window.

The Premier League title defenders are actively looking to bolster their defensive options following recent squad injury concerns.

Spanish outlet El Nacional reported that the Catalan heavyweights have no intention of parting with the 19-year-old academy product.

Barcelona club officials have informed suitors that negotiations will only be entertained for bids exceeding 80 million euros.

Mikel Arteta Reaches Out Directly To La Masia Prodigy

Reports in Spain reveal that Arteta personally phoned Espart to pitch the sporting project at Emirates Stadium and ...