Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly completed a deal to sign Arsenal defender Joshua Dawodu this summer.

The 16-year-old’s transfer fee hasn’t been disclosed and the Wednesday website suggests he was signed by the Owls in April. It appears Arsenal weren’t keen on giving him a professional contract but Sheffield Wednesday are gambling on Dawodu and will look to develop him at youth level instead.

“ Josh Dawodu joined the Owls in summer 2017 after spending the entirety of his youth development with Arsenal. The cultured defender boasts excellent game understanding and technical qualities,”said Sheffield Wednesday’s official club website.

The Arsenal youngsters lucky enough to receive scholarships returned to training on June 28 for pre-season. But despite the Gunners snub, the promising Nigerian defender could have a bright future with Sheffield Wednesday given their realistic ambitions of returning to the Premier League.

After losing the 2015/16 Championship playoff final, Wednesday fell short in the semi-finals the following season. Nevertheless, their return to the top-flight is expected sooner rather than later.