According to a trusted source close to ESPNFC, Arsenal are prepared to let Stephy Mavididi, 18, leave the club on a temporary basis in search of regular first-team football.

The highly-rated striker has already scored eight goals this season – two in the UEFA Youth League and six for Arsenal u23s in the Premier League 2 competition.

He has shown refreshing traits of unselfishness, which can often be rare in top modern-day forwards. He has played in the number ten role on a handful of occasions, creating key chances and grabbing important assists too – showing there is more to his game than just goals alone.

mavididi psg
Mavididi (L) continued his fine goalscoring run with a well-taken strike in stoppage time to seal a hard-fought draw against Paris Saint-Germain in a match the u19s couldn’t afford to lose before Christmas. (Photo source: Getty Images)

This, coupled with the fact that he is highly-rated by coaches in north London, mean it’s no surprise to hear of rumoured interest surrounding the teenager’s signature, albeit as a loan.

ta bri
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Tammy Abraham (R) is a perfect example of an academy player who has emulated their goalscoring ability from youth to senior level – one that Mavididi himself could potentially do if given an opportunity in either a Championship or League One side in the not-too-distant future. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Despite rumoured interest from European leagues, it might make practical sense for Stephy to remain amongst England’s top tiers. It is a way to gain more exposure without much pressure on him, in the same way that Chelsea’s attacking trio of Kasey Palmer, Isaiah Brown and Tammy Abraham have been quietly going about their efforts in the Championship.