Teenager Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett is set to train with the Arsenal u23s this week, though he’s hoping he’ll be able to get involved with the first team.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett, left, celebrates his goal with midfielder Enzo Martinez in the second half of an MLS soccer match against FC Dallas, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett, left, celebrates his goal with midfielder Enzo Martinez in the second half of an MLS soccer match against FC Dallas, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Denver Post report Bassett travelled to North London on Monday, and he’s set to spend a week learning and training with the Arsenal u23s. As it’s an international break, however, Bassett believes he may get chances with the senior players at his “favourite club”.

“I don’t know which team it will be because it’s an international break for them,” said the USA u20 international. “Hopefully, there will be a couple of guys missing with the first team and I can get with them. But I’m just excited to get over there and show up basically.”

Colorado Rapids are owned by Arsenal owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, and the suggestion is that the Rapids are pushing to build a stronger link between the two clubs after their pre-season friendly in the summer.

This isn’t the first time Bassett has trained with a European club though, as he did the same thing with Freiburg last year.

Freiburg made an offer to sign the midfielder at the time, though it was obviously rejected. There’s a possibility Arsenal could do the same thing, depending on how this week goes.

“When Arsenal came over here and played us, you could see there are little things that they do that I just don’t quite have yet,” Bassett said. “I’m eager to learn from them. Picking up things from every player will help improve my game. It’s going to be a great learning experience.”

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Bukayo Saka scoring the opening goal against Colorado Rapids in Arsenal’s pre-season friendly (Photo via Instagram / Arsenal)

Bassett made 22 appearances for the Rapids last season, scoring twice and assisting once, including a goal in his last start against LA Galaxy.

These are obviously still very early days in his career, and the chance to spend time with Arsenal is one he’ll surely learn a lot from. Good luck to the 18-year-old for a great week in North London!