Barcelona lead Arsenal and Chelsea in race for Borussia Dortmund teenager Justin Ehikioya Ejodamen

Barcelona are reportedly in the strongest position to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Justin Ehikioya Ejodamen, who is 15 and also represents Italy at under-16 level.

According to TEAMtalk, the Catalan club has been closely monitoring the teenager’s development and already holds detailed information about his profile. Barcelona’s scouts have been instructed to watch him in action for Dortmund’s youth teams and for Italy Under-16s.

Ejodamen has attracted attention because of his box-to-box style, with his game being compared to that of Jude Bellingham. He is understood to have impressed with his technical ability, physical strength and willingness to move forward into attacking areas.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the midfielder, while Juventus and AC Milan are monitoring his progress. However, Barcelona are currently considered the leading contenders in the race for his signature.

The player’s age could prove an important factor in the transfer situation. Ejodamen will turn 16 in April 2027, at which point clubs from within the European Union could consider signing him.

English clubs face greater restrictions because of rules introduced after Brexit. As a result, Arsenal and Chelsea may have to wait until Ejodamen turns 18 before they can bring him to England.

Dortmund are keen to retain the academy prospect and are understood to be considering offering him a long-term contract. The situation remains at the monitoring stage for now, but Barcelona appear to have established a particularly favourable position.

Barcelona are due to face Getafe in their eighth match of the Spanish league season.