Willock could prove to be U18s’ most important signing

Whilst Arsenal have yet to enter the transfer market for any first-team players, the club have been busy making numerous acquisitions at U18 level.

In addition to the previously announced deals for Kristopher Da Graca, Jonatas Centeno, Savvas Mourgos and Elias Hatzitheodoridis, the club have this week finalised moves for promising youngsters Ben Sheaf and Hugo Keto.

Sheaf, a homegrown central-midfielder signed from West Ham’s famed academy, and Keto, a goalkeeper recruited from HJK in his native Finland, have both been capped by their countries at U16 level.

For all the promise of those listed above, however, Arsenal’s biggest success at youth level this Summer may well prove to be the retaining of the services of an existing player.

Chris Willock, an attacking midfielder deemed so talented that he trained with the first-team at London Colney last season whilst he was still as schoolboy, was the subject of considerable interest from Manchester United, where his brother Matthew, formerly of Arsenal, currently plays.

However, last weekend Willock confirmed that he has signed a two-year scholarship deal with Arsenal and will continue his development at the club. Although he struggled with several injury setbacks last season, Willock demonstrated his considerable promise during his 12 appearances at U18 level and also made the bench in the FA Youth Cup.

There are some other promising Hale End products in this intake, most notably Kaylen Hinds, a striker who featured in the UEFA Youth League last season, and George Dobson, a defensive-minded player with genuine leadership qualities. Tyrell Robinson, a dangerous winger, is also worth keeping an eye on, with Marc Bola, Aaron Eyoma and Chiori Johnson having also commenced their scholarships this week.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of  www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com  Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird