Arsenal line up season-long loan for Milan teen sensation El Shaarawy

The agent of promising young AC Milan attacking midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy has revealed that Arsenal are interested in his services.

Milan would be loathe to let the 19-year-old leave permanently, but it is understood they are prepared to let him leave on a season-long loan.

El Shaarawy joined Milan only last summer in a £10million co-ownership deal from Genoa, but he has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place, despite appearing against Arsenal in the Champions League last 16.

His agent Roberto La Florio told Metro: ‘Arsenal have always admired him - even before he transferred to Milan, but the Rossoneri have already agreed to his ownership, and I do not know if they’ll let him go.’

And El Shaarawy spoke of his admiration for the English game only last month.

‘I really like the English game. Many people always tell me that I have the characteristics to play in the Premier League,’ he said.

‘Honestly, I like it a lot, both in terms of environment and football.’

El Shaarawy, who is contracted at Milan until 2016, has scored two goals in 18 appearances this season.

Seen the link pop up several times in the last couple of months, last time on Gazzetta dello Sport's website a few weeks ago, but I haven't bothered to start a thread because it seems very, very unlikely. It would be similar to Arsenal selling Oxlade-Chamberlain. Who knows though? The fact that he's still partly owned by Genoa provides some unusual circumstances. With Cassano scheduled for a comeback soon the competition will be incredibly tough at Milan. They might cash in if they receive a big offer. Especially if they plan to spend big on ready-made players this summer.

The kid is the real deal anyhow. From what I can tell he's one of the biggest attacking talents who's emerged in Europe for a long time. He's so bloody fast and skillful it's unreal. I'm sure Wenger is a big fan. It's his kind of player.