Axel Donczew is closing in on an Arsenal move after reports claimed the Cardiff City teenager has already completed his medical
Rob Tankiewicz, Aaron Ramsey, Axel Donczew(Image: Instagram)
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One of Cardiff's brightest young talents is set to leave the club after Arsenal completed a deal to sign Axel Donczew.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano on Sunday claimed the 16-year-old has already undergone a medical ahead of completing his move to north London this week.
Donczew became the youngest player in Cardiff City's history when he made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy last season and has long been regarded as one of the club's standout academy prospects. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
The Athletic first revealed earlier this month that Arsenal were closing in on a deal.
It is understood that Donczew has not been part of Cardiff's pre-season this summer, with the player having decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
An Instagram post by Rising Ballers detailing the player's proposed move to the Gunners was 'liked' by Donczew himself, as well as Ronan Kpakio, Ryan Wintle, Dakarai Mafico, Dan Ola and Paul Moreno.
While the finances behind the compensation package have not been made public, the fact there were multiple clubs interested in Donczew suggests Cardiff were in a strong position when it came to the negotiating table.
Cardiff's growing reputation as a club capable of producing top talent clearly comes with risks, drawing the eyes of big clubs as their promising youngsters are given first-team opportunities. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
The Bluebirds have been successful in staving off interest thus far, with Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio opting for first-team involvement over some potentially more eye-catching moves away over the last 12 months.
Rob Tankiewicz, who held the Cardiff record as their youngest player before Donczew broke it in the same match, has had increased first-team involvement in pre-season, scoring twice against Cork City and in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.
Tankiewicz looks set for even more first-team involvement this season, while Donczew will now likely have to take a different route, plying his trade in Arsenal's youth teams before getting any senior minutes under his belt.
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