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Fulham whizz kid Matt O'Riley is on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City
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Arsenal and Manchester City keeping tabs on 16-year-old Fulham starlet Matt O’Riley

Cottagers 16-year-old has starred three times for his club this season and has caught the eye of Premier League big boys

ARSENAL and Manchester City are tracking Fulham whizz kid Matt O'Riley, according to reports.

O'Riley, 16, has starred twice in the Carabao Cup and once in the Checkatrade Trophy for the Cottagers this season.

 Fulham whizz kid Matt O'Riley is on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City
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Fulham whizz kid Matt O'Riley is on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester CityCredit: (c) 2017 Shutterstock. No use without permission.
 Matt O'Riley has earned call ups to England friendlies against Brazil and South Africa
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Matt O'Riley has earned call ups to England friendlies against Brazil and South AfricaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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And his impressive midfield performances have drawn attention from the Premier League big boys, according to The Mirror.

England have already snapped up the teenager - who is eligible to play for Denmark - for friendlies against Brazil and South Africa ahead of next month's Under-17 World Cup in India.

But that would have come as no surprise to Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, who predicted: "I expect he can be an important player for our club in the future."

O'Riley operates as a playmaker and is winning fans over with his technical ability and sweet left foot.

Arsenal are looking to replace their summer losses after youth product Chris Willock and highly-rated kid Nathan Tella joined Benfica and Southampton respectively.

Man City, meanwhile, are on the lookout for cheap, English talent to make up their homegrown quota.

 Arsene Wenger is reportedly keeping tabs on Fulham prospect Matt O'Riley
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Arsene Wenger is reportedly keeping tabs on Fulham prospect Matt O'RileyCredit: Rex Features
 Pep Guardiola is also said to be in the chase for Fulham midfielder Matt O'Riley
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Pep Guardiola is also said to be in the chase for Fulham midfielder Matt O'RileyCredit: Rex Features
 Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reckons Matt O'Riley can shine for Fulham
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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reckons Matt O'Riley can shine for FulhamCredit: Rex Features

Manager Pep Guardiola said: "I would like to have English players. People don't believe me but I would like them.

"But they are so expensive. I would like to play with them.

 Matt O'Riley is eligible to play for Denmark but is making a name for himself with England
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Matt O'Riley is eligible to play for Denmark but is making a name for himself with EnglandCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Arsenal lost teenage star Chris Willock to Benfica in the summer
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Arsenal lost teenage star Chris Willock to Benfica in the summerCredit: Getty - Contributor

"When I was in Barcelona and Germany I liked to play with the locals, it's special, but sometimes it is not possible - the market is the market."

He added: "That's why the club has worked with the academy for a long time to be thinking about the next years, with me, without me - hopefully with me."

But City must tread carefully as they are set to be investigated by Fifa for breaching regulations on signing young players.

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