Arsenal have signed 16 year old Dutch youngster Donyell Malen from Ajax on a scholarship contract.
The young promising player has been capped for Dutch under 17 can play anywhere in the forward line although being most comfortable as a center forward.
Malen will add depth to Arsenal’s U18 squad ahead of the new season.
There has already been a significant recruitment drive at youth level this Summer, with Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Yassin Fortune, Vlad Dragomir, Kostas Pileas and Jordi Osei-Tutu all joining the club.
The Gunners were known to be scouting 16-year-old Malen earlier this year, with Arsene Wenger being tipped off about his incredible ability.
And now it’s been reported that a deal has been agreed for the Holland Under-17 international to join Arsenal on a scholarship contract.
Malen, who is represented by Mino Raiola, was described as a ‘phenomenal’ prospect by the Italian “super-agent” recently and the deal is seen as a coup.
A fast and agile striker with an eye for goal, Barcelona had been looking to sign up the prospect but Arsenal have apparently secured him to a scholarship contract, which will become a professional deal when he turns 17.
The move follows Wenger allowing Yaya Sanogo to move to Ajax on a season-long loan deal earlier this month, and looks to be part of some strong relationships between the two clubs.
Former Gunner, Dennis Bergkamp, the assistant to Ajax manager helped the Gunners to secure the signature of the wondrkid.