Arsenal are set to complete the signing of teenager Axel Donczew from Cardiff City, according to a report.
Jacob Tanswell and Art de Roche report for The Athletic that Arsenal are expected to complete the signing of Cardiff City’s Axel Donczew. Though the agreement is now yet signed, it’s described by Tanswell as ‘close’.
Sam Dean of The Telegraph initially reported that the Gunners were showing a strong interest in Donczew, adding that the player would initially link up with the Arsenal academy if he signs.
16-year-old Donczew has already made his senior debut for Cardiff, appearing in a couple of EFL Trophy group games at 15, becoming their youngest-ever player. Ironically, the only group game he missed was the one against the Arsenal u21s.
The attacking midfielder also made the bench for Cardiff in their League Cup quarter-final match against Chelsea, though he didn’t make it onto the pitch on that occasion.
Donczew made his debut for the Wales u19s this year, playing in a few u19 Euros qualifiers against France, Switzerland, and Hungary. He’s previously represented Wales at u15, u16, and u17 level, scoring a couple of goals for the u17s last November.
There are obviously high hopes for the youngster, given how far above his age group he’s playing for club and country. He was an u16 player last season, so to be playing senior club football and u19 international football is impressive.
WalesOnline write that Donczew is viewed as one of Cardiff’s standout young talents, and TheSecretScout reports that Arsenal have been tracking the player since January.
As well as playing in midfield, Donczew is also capable of operating out wide, and it remains to be seen where Arsenal plan to play him. First things first, the Gunners need to finalise that deal with Cardiff to sign him.
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