A host of talented youngsters have left Arsenal in recent years, yet, all the while, the club still boast an impressive academy.
The club are eager, though, to do more to retain some of their best prospects, and that extends to the case of Vontae Daley-Campbell, a right-back who has been capped by England at youth level.
Renowned for his immense strength and aggressive style of play, Daley-Campbell relishes pushing forwards, while of late he has also become more dependable defensively.
A mainstay in the starting lineup for Arsenal U18s, the prospect has been one of the most impressive performers for the club at that level this season.
He has, however, yet to be called up to the U23s this campaign as his wait to add to the solitary appearance that he made for the second-string last season goes on.
With Joseph Olowu having seemingly been converted to a right-back and Jordi Osei-Tutu closing in on a return from injury, Daley-Campbell may well have to be patient as he waits for opportunities to feature for the older age group.
That could well be playing a part in Daley-Campbell’s hesitation over signing a professional contract.
As one of the standout players in his age group, Arsenal are eager to get Daley-Campbell to put pen to paper on fresh terms, but the defender has yet to do so and he was recently linked with a move to German club RB Leipzig.
Daley-Campbell doesn’t have too long to make a decision on his future. His scholarship deal expires at the end of the season, so by that point we will know whether he will be remaining at Arsenal or not.
Losing Daley-Campbell wouldn’t generate quite the same headlines as the departures of Chris Willock and Marcus McGuane did, but it would still be rather disappointing given the quality that he possesses.
Whatever transpires, Daley-Campbell will, for now, be eager to continue performing well as he seeks to increase his stock further.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Aww come on. Not Vontae. He is such a prospect and physically, he could be ready for first team football sooner than most players his age. I was really hoping we didn’t sign a right back, but instead promote Osei tutu instead to give Vontae some room to develop. I see the reasoning behind the Stephan Lichtsteiner signing, an experienced head for all the young right backs to look up, which Bellerin never really had. I really rate this boy highly. We should be making clear paths to the first team for our most promising young players, that way, convincing… Read more »
Hope for the better for the two patties
“Renowned for his immense strength and aggressive style of play, Daley-Campbell relishes pushing forwards…”
Definitely read this as he’s aggressive and loves shoving strikers haha
The lovechild of Arthur Daley and Joel Campbell? Get him out while you can!