Arsenal youngster Marcus McGuane joined Barcelona in the January transfer window - and has now become the first Englishman since Gary Lineker to play for the Catalan giants.

The 18-year-old made two senior appearances at the Emirates, with both outings coming in the Europa League earlier this season.

Arsene Wenger had been keen to send the midfielder out on loan and Rangers had been keen.

But Barca struck a permanent deal for McGuane, who signed a three-and-a-half year deal. He linked up with the club's B team, after Barca includied a €25m release clause in his contract.

He then made his Barca bow as a second half sub in the Supercopa de Catalunya match against Espanyol.

Here is a profile of the 18-year-old from our friends at Football.London.

Marcus McGuane of Arsenal (
Image:
David Price)

McGuane was a product of the Arsenal academy at Hale End.

Previously known as Marcus Agyei-Tabi, he progressed through the academy before signing a scholarship two years ago.

He was captain of the Under-18s side and has now gone on to make his mark with the Under-23s, scoring his first goals at that level on Monday night - netting twice in a 4-2 defeat by Everton.

McGuane also wore the captain's armband that night.

What's his best position?

Joe Willock and Marcus McGuane of Arsenal board the plane (
Image:
Getty)

McGuane can play out wide, or even in defence, but his favoured role is in the heart of midfield.

Strong, powerful and athletic, he protects the back four but can go from box to box and has started to add goals to his game, as he showed for the U23s against Everton.

International recognition

Having previously represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17 level, McGuane has since gone on to play for England’s under-18 team.

Marcus McGuane of Arsenal (
Image:
Getty)

What has Wenger said about him?

The Arsenal boss has been impressed by the versatility the youngster has shown.

He said: "McGuane is a defensive midfielder, he can play wing-back or even centre-back. In training sometimes he plays with us at centre-back."

The contract situation

McGuane was into the final year of his contract at Arsenal.

It was a similar situation to that of Chris Willock, who ended up leaving Arsenal last summer to move to Benfica.

Marcus McGuane is closed down by Danny Ings (
Image:
Getty)

There were several clubs keeping tabs on McGuane's situation - with Serie A side Juventus and Rangers interested.

Manchester United also showed interest, as did Manchester City - while a number of Championship clubs made it clear he would be thrown straight into the first-team picture should he opt to join them.