Arsenal close to signing Diego León from Cerro Porteño | OneFootball

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Diego León, a promising 17-year-old left-back from Cerro Porteño.

The Paraguayan defender has attracted attention from several clubs, but it’s Mikel Arteta’s side that has progressed furthest in securing his services.

León made his debut for Cerro Porteño in August 2024 and has since played 12 games across the Clausura 2024 and Copa Paraguay tournaments.

Despite his young age, León has made an impression, scoring two goals in 11 league appearances this season. His solid performances have quickly established him as one of the most exciting emerging prospects in Paraguayan football.

According to Cardinal Deportivo, via abc, Arsenal are in the final stages of securing the deal, with only the player’s signature left to finalise the transfer.

The plan is for León to remain with the Ciclón until he turns 18 in April 2025 before making his move to the Premier League.

While it is not clear how much Arsenal will pay for his services, León’s current market value is estimated at around €1 million.

If the move is completed, León will join a growing group of young talents at Arsenal, as the club continues its focus on building for the future. Though not officially confirmed yet, sources close to the deal suggest it is only a matter of time.