Robert Navarro is one of the most exciting young players in European football. Last year the midfielder became the youngest player to ever debut in Ligue 1 after featuring for Monaco as a 16-year-old, but the eyes of the football world were watching him closely long before then. A star for Spain’s U17 team, Navarro possesses all the qualities to become an exceptional player and this summer he could make the switch to Athletic.

The son of a Navarran father and Catalan mother, Navarro was born in Barcelona but spent his early years training at Osasuna’s academy. He would join La Masia in 2011 where he quickly established himself as one of the best young talents at Barcelona. Last summer, the midfielder made the decision to leave for Monaco sighting the fact that he was never given the chances that he was promised while with the Blaugrana.

Before choosing Monaco, Navarro had offers from other clubs such as Manchester City and Arsenal but chose the French side because he would have a better chance of quickly reaching the first team. One year later, Navarro is unhappy at Monaco and wants to leave after not featuring as much as he had hoped with the club’s reserve side throughout the season.

When the news broke that Navarro wanted to leave, Athletic’s interest immediately picked up. The Lions have been following the midfielder since his days with Osasuna but have been unable to compete with offers from much richer clubs. However, the 17-year-old’s desire to leave could significantly lower Monaco’s asking price and Athletic have been seriously pursuing Navarro over the past few weeks.

On Wednesday the story took another turn when La Cantera De Lezama exclusively reported that Navarro is close to signing with Athletic. The details of the potential deal are unknown at this point, but sources claim there is a very good chance that the starlet will join Athletic this summer. The Lions could possibly take Navarro on loan with an option to purchase or share his rights with Monaco if the Basques were to ever sell the midfielder.

If Navarro does join Athletic it would be a massive signing for the Zurigorri with many richer clubs also interested in the Barcelona product. Navarro would likely train with the first team this summer before spending the season with Bilbao Athletic. Additionally, Athletic would look to insert a very large release clause into the player’s contract to protect him in the years to come.

Robert Navarro has several close friends at Athletic, especially at the lower levels, and even shares the same agent as players like Iñaki Williams, Yeray, Unai Nuñez, and Oihan Sancet. After being unhappy at Barcelona and Monaco, joining Athletic could be the perfect move for the starlet to continue his development and have a realistic chance of reaching the first team.

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