Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who represents his native side Partizan, and has been termed by the local press as the new Nicklas Bendtner, the Arsenal striker who is currently on loan at Juventus.

The 18-year old began his youth career at Partizan in 2005. After six years of development, Mitrovic decided that he was given a chance to prove his talent in a Serbian club Teleoptik. This club has affiliations with Partizan, and gave him a year where he represented the club 25 times, scoring 7 goals. He then returned to Partizan, where he signed his first professional contract, and completed his first season at the club. Mitrovic played 25 matches for the club, scoring 10 goals.

The Gunners have been linked with various players this summer window, and Mitrovic is one who the club’s scouts have been keeping a close eye on for future. As an 18-year old, the striker has a long way to go, and could join the Arsenal youth academy, to be exposed to some of the world’s best footballing talents. Arsene Wenger has always been a fan of the youth, and if the talent in Mitrovic is anything to come by, the manager would give him a chance in their youth setup, hoping to initiate him in the senior squad a few years later.

The London club are involved in negotiations with other clubs over their main summer targets. These targets include the likes of striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has been confirmed to leave Real Madrid in this window.

Although the signing of Mitrovic will not provide Wenger with a regular first team striking option, it will give him a young striker who will have the motivation of proving himself at the highest level. Despite the failure of past youngsters like Carlos Vela to become regulars, Mitrovic will hope Wenger pushes for a transfer, which would give the striker an opportunity at the Emirates Stadium.