Arsenal’s 18-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang is set to join Brighton on loan today, as first reported by Emma Sanders at BBC Sport. Arsenal’s plan for this summer has always been to have the 18-year-old spend the majority of pre-season with the club and to be in the squad for the first round of UWCL qualifying before going on loan.
Brighton’s interest in the player has been reasonably long-standing but Arsenal wanted her on their pre-season tour of Washington and in the squad for UWCL qualifiers against Rangers and Rosenborg. Our expectation is that this loan signing will be wrapped up before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Arsenal had been open to adding another player prior to the deadline but, currently, that looks unlikely. Our understanding on the Keira Walsh situation is unchanged from earlier in the summer, that with one year left on her Barca contract she is unlikely to renew, meaning Barca could be tempted by a big offer. Arsenal were interested in the player last summer but Barca were unwilling to countenance a sale at that point, so Arsenal pivoted to the deadline day signing of Kyra Cooney-Cross from Hammarby.
However, the asking price for Walsh is high and both Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been monitoring the situation, have felt the price to be too high. Walsh has been named in Barca’s squad for tonight’s game at home to Real Sociedad. Something would need to change drastically and quickly for any deal to be done there.
Looks to be a good move for Michelle and us. Brighton are building an impressive squad and for Michelle to be learning from the likes of Fran Kirby is positive.
I read Aubameyang at first lol
Woo-hoo! Well done to Michelle, great loan move.
Regarding Keira Walsh, also sensible. Butter her up and get her in the summer on a free.
As for Michelle, I’ve said before she is ready for the WSL with her speed and strength but I guess with Lessi and Stina in front of her opportunities shall be limited in the coming season and there are worse places to go to build experience so good luck to her at the seaside. As for Walsh, we don’t need her and I hope that’s the end of our interest! When our Leah is in the England midfield Walsh does nothing so what is the point? I can see Leah taking that step forward before long with LWM and Katie… Read more »
Michelle to Brighton is great because she will have to absolutely fight with everything she’s got to get starts. I think that’s the most important thing at this stage for a precociously talented player.
Interestingly the Arsenal website has not only Katie Reid, but also Freya Godfrey, Laila Harbert and Viv Lia named in the squad. You might have expected one or two of these players to go on loan like Teyah and Michelle who both appear further down the development route already. Perhaps there were no suitable suitors but if they have been named let’s hope they get some chances to play some competitive games even if it is in the Conti Cup!
On a related note, I saw Teyah Goldie play for London City Lionesses last weekend. She played well – strong in the tackle, comfortable with the ball at her feet, spotted opportunities to drive into space. Just like all Arsenal defenders should be! She seemed slightly unsure of her position at times, but I think they were switching formation a fair bit and she wasn’t the only one. Plus new team with new coach etc.
Keep watching and keep us updated.