Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United have joined the race to sign Levante's breakthrough striker Etta Eyong, whose remarkable form in La Liga has made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents.
From Bargain Buy to Hot Property
The 22-year-old Cameroonian forward has taken Spanish football by storm since his £2.6 million transfer from Villarreal to Levante on September's transfer deadline day. Eyong's rapid ascent from reserve team football to becoming one of La Liga's most prolific scorers has captured attention across the continent.
Eyong initially impressed at reserve level for both Cadiz and Villarreal before earning his first-team debut in April this year. After scoring on his debut and starting this season with Villarreal, his surprise move to newly-promoted Levante for just €3 million now looks like one of the bargains of the season.
Stunning Start in La Liga
The Cameroon international has made an immediate impact at his new club, scoring five goals in his first nine appearances for Levante. Combined with his earlier strike for Villarreal, this takes his season tally to six La Liga goals with three assists.
Remarkably, only global superstars Kylian Mbappe, Julian Alvarez and Robert Lewandowski have scored more goals than Eyong in Spain's top flight this campaign. His performances have transformed Levante's attack and established him as one of the division's most exciting young talents.
Premier League Interest Intensifies
According to reports from talkSPORT, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all dispatched scouts to monitor Eyong's progress. The Athletic adds that Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also tracking the striker's development.
West Ham United have reportedly gone a step further by making an initial enquiry for the three-cap Cameroon international. However, Levante have already demonstrated their determination to keep their star asset by rejecting one firm offer for the player they signed just two months ago.
Club Determined to Keep Their Star
Levante CEO Jose Danvila confirmed the growing interest in Eyong while insisting the striker won't be sold during the January transfer window. 'We received one firm offer for the player, but it has already been rejected,' Danvila told Radio Marca.
He added: 'I'm reading many stories about Etta, and it's true there is growing interest, but he's not going to be sold this winter.' The club's stance suggests any suitors will need to wait until at least next summer to test their resolve with substantial offers.
Player's Premier League Dream
Eyong has openly discussed his ambition to eventually play in the Premier League, telling GiveMeSport: 'I have already achieved my dream of playing in LaLiga and my other dream is to one day play in the Premier League.'
The striker believes his physical attributes suit English football, stating: 'I think I have the quality to thrive in the Premier League and that my style is well suited to English football. I am physically strong and can link up play.'
He particularly admires the intensity of Premier League football, especially the traditional Boxing Day fixtures. However, Eyong remains focused on his current club, saying: 'For now my focus is just on Levante and I am ignoring all other news.'
With his combination of youth, proven goal-scoring ability in a top league, and affordable acquisition cost, Etta Eyong represents exactly the type of smart investment Premier League clubs are increasingly targeting. His continued development at Levante will be closely monitored by England's top clubs as they consider making their move for the Cameroonian sensation.
