Arsenal whizkid Charlie Patino is being tracked by Barcelona.

The young midfielder, 18, scored on his senior debut as the Gunners brushed aside Sunderland 5-1 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

And The Sun claim Barca are keeping tabs on Patino, who has been tipped for a stellar career at the top level after rising through the youth ranks at the Emirates.

New boss Xavi knows a thing or two about world-class midfield talent and is trying to turn around the Catalans' fortunes after a nightmare start to life without Lionel Messi.

The clubs have previous in trading youngsters after Cesc Fabregas joined the Gunners as a teenager and Barca poached then highly-rated prospect Marcus McGuane from North London in 2018.

Arsenal would be sure to demand a huge fee for Patino, who has played for England at youth level but is also eligible for Spain through his father, with Mikel Arteta a huge fan of the rising star.

After the win over Sunderland, the Gunners boss said: "A beautiful moment. He is a kid that is coming through our system, a lovely kid.

"He is training with us almost every week. It was a dream. As a debut to come here, to score in front of our fans, a really special moment."

In other news

Barca are looking to shore up their backline with a move for Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman's agent Mino Raiola has said his client is "ready for a new stop" and reporter Gerard Romero claims Samuel Umtiti and Philippe Coutinho could be offloaded to raise the necessary funds.

Tottenham and Manchester United are ready to compete with Newcastle to sign England international Kieran Trippier, according to 90min.

The Atletico Madrid right-back would fill a need for all three clubs and is believed to be open to a Premier League return.

Marca say Real Madrid are monitoring Lille forward Jonathan David, who has also been linked with Arsenal and West Ham.