Arsenal are close to signing Argentine wonderkid Maxi Romero - who has been dubbed the next Lionel Messi . The Gunners are in advanced talks with Velez Sarsfield over a £4.5million swoop for the teenage sensation . Arsenal are confident of completing a deal for the 16-year-old in the coming days . Arsenal are close to signing 16-year-old Maxi Romero from Velez Sarsfield for £4.5million . 'Arsenal have made a big offer for Maxi Romero . I do n't want to talk figures just yet but it 's a big offer , ' confirmed Velez president Raul Gamez . Romero 's agent Rolando Zarate said : ' I met with Arsene Wenger twice in London . They heard about Maxi through their scouts in South America . He is the player who has most impressed him . 'Maxi has huge potential but he is going to complete apprenticeship at a great club like Velez . ' The Argentine wonderkid has been dubbed the next Lionel Messi and would stay at Velez on loan . Romero is expected to remain with Velez , on loan , for at least two more seasons before coming to England to begin his career with Arsenal . The youngster is yet to make his senior debut for Velez but has trained regularly with the first team . Arsenal are always on the lookout for young talent to join their ranks . In January they signed defensive midfielder Krystian Bielik from Polish club Legia Warsaw .
Arsenal in advanced talks with Velez Sarsfield over deal for Maxi Romero . The 16-year-old wonderkid has been dubbed the next Lionel Messi . Romero is expected to remain with Velez on loan for the coming days . Velez president confirmed Arsenal have made a 'big offer ' for the player . Romero 's agent revealed he has met twice with Arsene Wenger in London .