According to a report by FootballTransfers on Monday, October 19, 2026, amid increasing rumors linking him to Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea, IFK Goteborg midfielder Oliver Mansson has spoken about his admiration for Barcelona.

The 17-year-old midfielder from Goteborg has been making waves with his stellar play for the Swedish club. Mansson has proven himself as a consistent starter, highlighting his potential and increasing significance to the team, despite his youth and lack of senior football experience.

With the Swedish club, Mansson has started fourteen of his seventeen senior appearances. Goteborg have only lost two league games when he has started, indicating that his presence has been accompanied by better outcomes.

But without the youngster or with him on the bench, the club has failed to produce the same level of performance. Under those conditions, Goteborg won twice, tied four times, and lost six times in 12 league matches, demonstrating the midfielder's increasing impact on the team's results.

Arsenal and Chelsea, two English clubs, are supposedly keeping tabs on his development because of their interest. However, due to his advanced age, a relocation to England is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Even though Mansson turned 17 in August, he won't be able to join an English club until the summer of next year.

The teen put an end to the rumors after starting every minute of Goteborg's 2-2 draw with rivals AIK at the weekend. He admitted to the Swedish newspaper Expressen that he had been unaware of the rumored interest from Premier League clubs until recently.

He admitted, "No, I had no clue." "Just like everyone else, I saw it on social media. I was unaware of that, so no.

Mansson made a funny face when asked to pick between Arsenal and Chelsea, a sign that he knew it would be tough. Nevertheless, he clarified that he had always supported Barcelona and that neither team was his favorite.

I really don't, actually. "No, I don't," he responded when asked if he was a fan of English clubs. I've been enjoying Barca, but it's good to be interested in anything. This is how things stand.

The interviewer made a lighthearted comment about Mansson supposedly waiting for Barcelona to get in touch with him, which elicited an enthusiastic response from the midfielder.

"Indeed!" Mansson reported.

His remarks show how much he admires Barcelona, but it doesn't mean they've approached him. Both Arsenal and Chelsea will keep an eye on his progress as he gets more senior-level experience.