Arsenal have entered talks to sign the “new David Villa.” The Gunners have also received a potential boost after longtime target Sami Khedira appeared to confirm he’ll leave Real Madrid at the end of this season.

First, though, Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen to add to his options up front. His current target is Sporting de Gijon‘s teenage striker, Carlos Castro.

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Daily Star reporter Jamie Anderson), the Gunners have started negotiating a possible summer move for the prolific 19-year-old. Anderson detailed Castro’s rapid rise that’s earned him comparisons to a Spanish footballing great:

Though Castro is yet to finish a full 90-minute match for Sporting Gijon, he has still managed to bag seven goals in what equates to eight full games.

The 19-year-old has been compared to former Barcelona and Valencia forward David Villa for his pace, trickery and keen eye for goal.

Wenger‘s team is currently bloated with attacking talent in forward areas, but he’s never been shy about making room for another talented prospect.

Actually, Wenger might not have much choice. The Gunners are likely to wave goodbye to flop Lukas Podolski this summer. The Germany international is currently enduring a rough loan spell with Inter Milan.

Yaya Sanogo is another striker out on loan. The promising but extremely raw and brittle Frenchman is currently honing his craft with Crystal Palace. Sanogo‘s scored just once during two seasons with the Gunners, so doubts about his long-term future are warranted.

Similar doubts exist about Theo Walcott. The fleet-footed England international is stalling over a new contract—a deal he hopes will pay him in excess of £100,000 per week, according to MailOnline writer Chris Waugh.

Wenger‘s even clearing the decks up front by getting ready to send free-scoring reserve Chuba Akpom out on loan. Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph has named Championship side Nottingham Forest as one of seven clubs keen on the 19-year-old.

A loan is a good way for Wenger to see exactly what he has in Akpom.

But even if the youngster impresses, the question marks surrounding Podolski, Sanogo and Walcott mean another striker would be welcome to support Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck.

Of course, the Gunners could also use a more powerful presence at the heart of midfield. Germany international Khedira certainly fits the bill.

He’s confirmed he will walk away from the Spanish capital when his contract expires this summer, per Marca’s Juan I. Garcia-Ochoa. Khedira is anxious to leave Los Blancos on good terms, saying, “I love Real Madrid, it will be hard to leave this club. I will give everything for this shirt until the last day of my contract, there should be no doubt about that.”

According to the Daily Mirror‘s John Cross, Arsenal have been strongly linked with Khedira since the summer. However, the player has also recently been linked with a return to the Bundesliga to join Schalke 04, per Sky (h/t ESPN FC’s Stephan Uersfeld).

Journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft even recently seemed to confirm that move and rule out Arsenal’s interest:

Despite those claims, Khedira sounds noncommittal about his next destination. His energy, strength and late runs into the box would certainly be major assets to the Gunners.

Ultimately, Arsenal may not move for Khedira, but knowing an experienced international with his talent is available on a free transfer will certainly make Wenger consider a deal. That’s especially true if he’s still intent on spending to add to the riches up front.

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