Arsenal are facing another setback in their academy, with highly-rated midfielder Mishel Nduka expected to join Manchester City just months after the Gunners missed out on teenage prospect Jeremy Monga.
According to reports, Nduka is closing in on a move to Manchester city despite Arsenal’s desire to keep hold of one of their brightest young talents
.The 16-year-old only joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in September but has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout academy prospects. His rapid development has already seen him feature for Arsenal’s Under-21 side, while he has also represented the club in the UEFA Youth League with the Under-19s.
Arsenal set to lose another promising youngster
Arsenal had hoped to continue Nduka’s development in north London, with the midfielder viewed internally as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.
However, reports suggest Manchester City have won the race for his signature, with the teenager now expected to continue his progression at the Etihad.
The latest development comes shortly after Arsenal were unable to secure Jeremy Monga, adding to the club’s frustrations as they battle to retain some of the country’s top emerging talents.
Competition among elite Premier League academies has intensified in recent years, with clubs increasingly targeting the brightest young players at an earlier stage of their development.
Manchester City close to completing deal
Manchester City are understood to have convinced Nduka that the Etihad represents the ideal environment for his long-term development, with the move expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Despite Arsenal’s efforts to keep the midfielder, City appear to have secured another highly-rated academy prospect as they continue to strengthen one of English football’s most successful youth systems.