Arsenal have are now said to have agreed a deal to sign a new left winger after negotiations over recent days. The Gunners are now sparking their summer transfer window to life, having spent big money to land Christos Tzolis to add depth following the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas.
Mikel Arteta's priority this summer is to add a new starting left winger and a new number 8, but there could be further recruits, especially with some of the squad players likely to be offered the chance to start elsewhere, as Trossard was.
That work goes on, but in the meantime, Arsenal have managed to add yet another top young talent, agreeing a deal with Cardiff City to sign their young hotshot winger.
Arsenal 'agree' deal with Cardiff City
Mikel Arteta
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have agreed to sign Bluebirds youngster Axel Donczew, who has already been blooded at senior level at 16 years of age. Romano posted on X: "Arsenal agree deal to sign 16 year old talent Axel Donczew from Cardiff City, here we go! Donczew became Cardiff City’s youngest ever player in the EFL Trophy in October 2025, now set to sign for Arsenal this week. 16 year old already completed his medical at #AFC."
The deal likely involves a compensation package, and the fact Arsenal have agreed to one means they can involve a tribunal at a later stage, with Donczew yet to turn 17, meaning he has not signed a professional contract.
Arsenal have been here before of course, signing Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff City back in 2008, although Ramsey had already turned professional and played a key role in Cardiff's run to reach the 2008 FA Cup final. Ramsey turned out to be quite the signing, going on to become a club legend at the Emirates Stadium.
It's likely Donczew will link up with the younger Arsenal age groups for now, but given the trust Arteta has shown in players like Max Dowman, there is clearly a path to the first team if it is earned.
Donczew playing well beyond his years
Cardiff City Stadium
Cardiff City Stadium
Donczew has made two senior appearances so far, both in the EFL Trophy last season. Cardiff were promoted from League One last season, so they had a highly competitive squad. The young winger, who has a Polish family background, has represented Wales throughout the age groups and is a current under-19s international, playing well beyond his age.
Donczew was a joint-winner of Cardiff's Academy Player of the Season, and speaking after the young winger's debut, senior boss Brian Barry-Murphy said: “I think if they're good enough, and he clearly is, then they're old enough for us with Axel.”
He added: “For Axel to come on and show real signs of what we see in training is an insight into how high our hopes are for him.”
The Cardiff boss said after another appearance: “Axel [Donczew] came on and you saw the style of play that he displayed, so it’s an exciting time for the future.”
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