Alex Luna: Things to Know About the Argentine Wonderkid
Over in Argentina, as soon as any young starlet starts making the headlines, everyone's ears immediately perk up.
It's natural when the country of origin of the best player in the world produces a talent that causes a stir. Clubs are no different either, hence why the name Alex Luna is on the lips of European big hitters as a potential superstar signing.
As per the Mirror, a swathe of clubs are eyeing a deal for the 16-year-old as they look to prize him away from the clutches of Atlético Rafaela.
Among those heavily linked are Manchester United and Milan. But who are they linked with? Who is Luna beyond just a name? Let's take a look.
He's in the Lautaro Martinez Mould
His countryman has become one of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment, continuously impressing for Inter alongside strike partner Romelu Lukaku. Much like Martinez, Luna is a player who is capable of leading the line in a number nine role, or dropping off and acting as a second striker.
This is Martinez's forte, and while the 16-year-old doesn't cite him as an influence, his game shares many similarities. Playing off a striker further forward, this allows Luna to collect possession a bit deeper and utilise his dribbling skills - of which he has plenty - or make late runs into the box.
Luna Favours Neymar Over Cristiano Ronaldo
The forward has spoken constantly about his favourite asset - his dribbling - so it doesn't come as much surprise that it's Neymar who he idolises in that respect.
"I like dribbling, dribbling, like Neymar. I try to imitate him a lot for his style and for all the things he does. He is one of the best in the world with Messi," he told AS.
"Neymar is ahead of Cristiano."
Say it like it is, son.
Europe is Where He Dreams of Playing
Alex Luna, jugador de la 8va División, fue convocado por el entrenador Saggese para integrar la Selección Sub 15 que disputará el torneo “Vlatko Markovic”, en Croacia. Le deseamos éxitos a Alex y a Matías Godoy, quien integra la Selección Sub 17 en el Sudamericano en Perú. pic.twitter.com/gELRlrbb5b
— Atlético de Rafaela (@OficialAMSyD) April 8, 2019
The aforementioned clubs are hot on his case, but Luna has interest in his services from across the continent. Paris Saint-Germain, Roma, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester City have been listed (there are even more) in recent months.
While he's also had a keen eye cast over him from clubs in his native Argentina - Newell's Old Boys, Racing and River Plate - he has expressed a desire to follow his 'dream' of playing in Europe.
"I am very excited and happy because all my effort to fulfill my dreams I would like to play in Europe," he revealed. "It is a leap for me and for my career. I would go to any team. I admire Barcelona, Atlético and Real Madrid."
Luna 'Wouldn't Say No to' Diego Simeone
Having already listed the 'big three' Spanish clubs as ideal destinations, Luna has expressed his admiration for Diego Simeone. Something about pragmatic football must've caught his gaze.
"Cholo is a very good coach, who would say no to him. I would love for him to lead me," he said.
The obvious link is the nationality, although a host of Argentine players have made their names with Los Rojiblancos - Sergio Agüero being the standout name.
He Was Finding the Net With Ease Last Season
Before Covid-19 brought a halt to footballing activities in Argentina, Luna had already scored 16 goals in the season with Atlético Rafaela’s youth team.
The club have been forced to turn down a host of loan offers from some of the more established sides in the country, but they've stood firm and he will be promoted to the senior squad next season, who play in Argentina’s Second Division.
Whoever Signs Him Will Have to Wait Until 2022
With United said to be leading the chase at present, if they are successful, they won't see him at Old Trafford until 2022.
Given his young age, any deal for Luna would include him staying in his homeland until the end of 2021, when he would likely make the move north to join in January 2022.
Despite being heavily watched, there is the concern over fast tracking him to Europe too soon, which could have a negative impact on his development - something that's been seen countless times in the past.
His Agent Represents Nicolas Otamendi
Fellow Argentine Nicolas Otamendi has been in Manchester for the past five years since joining City from Valencia, but while he looks set to move to Benfica this window, the links to the city could have a say in Luna's next destination.
It is United who are leading the charge, but with every man and his dog after Luna's signature, any helping hand could be pivotal in determining his next destination.