There was a somewhat unusual situation this week as Arsenal fielded a trialist in a competitive U21 game.
Lennon Patterson, who is contracted to Wolves, played the first 45 minutes as Arsenal U21s drew 1-1 at home to Sunderland.
17-year-old Patterson largely gave a good account of himself, although he does seem to be mainly in the style of a wing-back rather than a regular left-back.
Ordinarily Patterson probably would have featured for the U18s in some capacity, but Arsenal don’t have any games at that level until next month.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will pursue a move for Patterson, although it wouldn’t be surprising if a new left-back was brought in at U21 level, with the young Gunners having lacked depth in that position since the departure of Lino Sousa early this year.
Patterson is tall for his age and is also strong physically. He has also spent time training with the first-team squad recently and will hope that he has done enough to convince Arsenal to sign him.
Arsenal have seemingly built up a strong connection with the Wolves academy having previously signed Brayden Clarke, while Fraser Harper also spent time on trial at the club.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird