by Lewis Ambrose

As reported by Sylvain Jamet of Daily Cannon back in May, Arsenal have signed youngsters Jeff Reine Adelaide and Yassin Fortune from Racing Club de Lens.

However, there has still been no official comfirmation from either club, so what is going on?

Sport Witness have done some digging and, despite not having official public confirmation from Arsenal, the deal is clearly done – as it is being spoken about by head of youth football and development at Lens, Pascal Plancque.

Frustrating

Plancque talks about the deal being frustrating as Lens are losing two of their stars before they have even had the chance to make an impression on the first team.

“There are still some very good youngsters at RC Lens. This year we recruited well with good players aged 13-14.

said Plancque, according to But!.

“What is frustrating is seeing them sometimes leave quickly, before they have time to wear the jersey of Lens at the highest level.”

The French club are struggling financially and the deal, which should provide them with around €4M will be of great help.

“They leave for a big club when there’s still a need for training. Arsenal is known for this,” Plancque is quoted saying in Lensois.

Arsenal do have a great reputation for developing young players and, with Plancque clearly rating them very highly, there’s no doubt they’re in safe hands.

“These are young people who still need to progress, but they have this level of talent and with work they can get by. After, it is clear that it is harder to evolve in a professional club where requirement is tougher.”

It is tough to evolve but Arsène Wenger and Andries Jonker will give them everything that they need to develop and make it at Arsenal.

If these two youngsters are as talented as Plancque – the man who found them – believes then they’re at the right place.