Arsenal are seemingly on the verge of losing 16-year-old midfield talent Yunus Musah, as the academy’s pre-season begins without him.
Musah is still just 16 years old, but he made his debut for the Arsenal u18s all the way back in 2017.
The midfielder pushed on to make 16 appearances for the side this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists, and he appears to have a bright future ahead of him.
Right now, however, it doesn’t seem like that future is going to be with Arsenal. Musah has been offered a scholarship deal to remain with the Gunners, leading to a professional contract when he turns 17, but he’s yet to sign it.
The contract standoff has now dragged on into pre-season. Whilst his u18 teammates (including fellow highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder Miguel Azeez) have returned to training with Arsenal, Musah has been training separately away from the club.
Reports in Spain last month (via Sport Witness) suggested Valencia had a verbal agreement with Musah to join them instead.
The teenager was also linked to Juventus last summer, with reports in the Italian media going as far as to say he’d officially completed a move – which he hadn’t.
Other than that, there really aren’t many hints out there as to which particular club has turned Musah’s head. Regardless, it’s looking less and less likely he’ll remain in North London.