Transfer rumours, even when they are concerning young players, always have to be treated with a degree of scepticism, but there certainly seems to be some truth regarding reports linking Sam Greenwood with a move to either AC Milan or Juventus.
Greenwood joined Arsenal last year from Sunderland but still hasn’t put pen to paper on the professional contract that he was widely expected to sign when he turned 17 in January.
Instead, the talented forward is still tied to a scholarship deal that expires at the conclusion of the current campaign, meaning that, as things stand, he would be able to leave for free next year.
The likes of Yunus Musah, Xavier Amaechi and Stephy Mavididi, to name just some, have left Arsenal for foreign clubs recently, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Greenwood is the next name to join that list.
Arsenal will hope to convince the England youth international to stay, especially after he produced some excellent performances last season as the young Gunners were crowned champions of the southern section at U18 level.
Despite preferring to play up front, Greenwood made a major impact on the right wing last season as he caught the eye with his superb technical ability, fine crosses and excellent finishing.
During pre-season the prospect was involved with the U23 squad, but he hasn’t featured for the second-string since the real action has got underway, instead finding himself remaining part of the U18 setup.
If opportunities with the U23s aren’t forthcoming in the near future, and it will be difficult for him to get ahead of the likes of Folarin Balogun and Tyreece John-Jules in the pecking order, then Greenwood may well consider his options.
Greenwood’s situation will certainly be one to watch as the campaign progresses, and it is hoped that he won’t become the latest Arsenal youngster to head elsewhere.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
All the big teams in Europe face this situation time and time again.
We have benefitted from this ourselves – with various degrees of success thuogh. Fabregas and Bellerin readily come to mind.
If he stays, good. If he goes, best of luck to him.
To add to that, the emerging age bracket of the first team is such that we will have a settled team for many seasons.
Many more yoing players might look at this and consider their options.
A prospect I’m truly excited about, let’s hope that this is a negotiation tactic by his agent and not him looking for work elsewhere.
What are they putting in the water at the Academy, stardust? Never even seen kid this kick a ball.
We seem to be losing quite a few of our top young talent these days. It’s curious because i don’t think i’ve ever known a time where our youth has more of a chance to get in the first team than now. I wonder why so many are jumping ship to foreign teams.
This is why Arsenal need to give plenty of game time to the likes of Willock, Nelson, Saka…
These lads get offers from a very young age now and we need to be seen to be a club that has a strong ethos of developing talent.
Hope he decides to stay. He looks special.
You can’t nube held to ransom by youth team players. Chances of succeeding are small, so can’t blame kids for getting as big a contact as possible as young as possible. This is a kid who has already walked once. Frankly I can’t get too invested
Agreed. Jumping ship when the going gets tough isn’t a good sign If he’s that good, Freddie would’ve promoted him last season. Could it be he’s got a touch of Dan Crowley/David Bentley ie overconfidence and suspect attitude?
its high time the youth system starts looking into defensive recruitment like fullbacks, center backs and maybe a natural DMC more cause it is much as important as the forwards and given our woes defensively
Has a touch of Van Persie about him. Big talent. Cottrell is another.