Arsenal starlet wanted by Brighton... and Barcelona!

Brighton have opened talks with Arsenal over a loan move for defender Ignasi Miquel.

The Spanish Under-19 centre-back is highly rated at the Emirates, having made nine first-team appearances last season, including four in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.

Miquel also played every minute of Arsenal's Carling Cup campaign, but his route to more regular first-team football is blocked by Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Johan Djourou, while the exciting Kyle Bartley has returned to north London following two years spent on-loan at Rangers.

Arsenal are now ready to ship Miquel out on loan in a bid to gain more experience, and Brighton boss Gus Poyet is keen to seal a move in the next few weeks.

Brighton are willing to promise Miquel regular first-team football, while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is happy to sanction the move, as he trusts former Tottenham star Poyet with the player's development.

Miquel, who came through the Barcelona academy before being released, is also wanted back in Spain, with Barca B ready to lodge a £300,000 bid to try to take the 19-year-old back to his first club.