Man Utd and Arsenal's transfer chase for 'next Robert Lewandowski' hits Spanish front pages

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Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong looks set to put Manchester United and Arsenal on a collision course for his signature. It's little wonder why the Cameroonian sensation has earned comparisons to Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski given his latest performances in La Liga.

In truth, there may not be a major European power without their eyes on Etaa Eyong at present in his current run of form. The 22-year-old has scored six goals in La Liga so far this season, with only Real Madrid 's Kylian Mbappe (11) having netted more.

That's put a host of continental heavyweights on alert, with Real Madrid , Barca and Manchester City also said to be interested. And his star only looks set to shine more brightly after Mundo Deportivo reported he'd like to cement his future sooner rather than later.

It's claimed Barca are ramping up interest in the youngster, whom they are believed to see as a replacement for Lewandowski. The Poland icon has been prolific in Catalonia but is now 37 and in the last year of his contract , though Barcelona do have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

Both United and Arsenal each bought new strikers in the summer. The Red Devils plumped to purchase Benjamin Sesko , while the Gunners finally moved for a new frontman and secured Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres .

However, Etta Eyong could present an opportunity that's too good to pass up. Mundo Deportivo reported the player has a buyout clause in his contract that's worth roughly £26.5million for La Liga clubs, while Premier League sides would have to pay around £35m.

Not a bad turnaround for Levante considering the Frogs only spent around £4m buying him from Villarreal in the summer. Around £2.5m of that went to the Yellow Submarine, while previous club Cadiz - who are due a percentage of his sell-on fee - received roughly £1.5m.

Etta Eyong cannot play for a third club this season after already representing both Villarreal and Levante. He made a fast start to the campaign under Marcelino and made a direct goal contribution in each of Villarreal's first three league games before moving to the Valencia-based outfit.

And his work has only continued to impress, bringing his total in La Liga this term to six goals and three assists overall. To put those figures into context, Mbappe is the only player in Spain's top flight with more direct goal contributions this season.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, the player would like to join a new club in January before being loaned back to Levante. Not only that, but it's understood his preference is to join Barcelona, whose colours he has been snapped sporting in the past.

It's difficult to envision either United or Arsenal making a move for the player as soon as this winter. Each club spent mammoth amounts adding new forwards over the summer, so funds to spend so significantly in that area again may not be available.

Their loss could prove to be the gain of any club with the initiative to move swiftly for a star quickly causing waves in La Liga, however. And Barcelona may already have an in-road to recruit Lewandowski's natural successor.

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