Academy recruitment continues throughout the summer as clubs look to bolster their youth ranks. Young strikers who have already shown a sharp goalscoring instinct attract interest from Premier League sides. Straightforward agreements become possible once existing contracts expire.
England youth internationals with proven records at under-18 level offer long-term potential. Training compensation payments still apply even when a player is free to move. Successful captures strengthen the pathway from academy to first team.
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Crystal Palace youngster Mylo Bernard. The 16-year-old striker’s contract at Palace is understood to have expired, meaning the Gunners will only need to pay training compensation rather than a full transfer fee.
James McNicholas of The Athletic reports that Bernard has agreed to join Arsenal. The move follows earlier reports that the north London club were pushing hard to secure the forward this summer. Previous interest in other young strikers such as Igor Tyjon and James Wilson had proved unsuccessful.
Bernard stepped up into under-18 football on multiple occasions last season despite still being eligible for the under-16 age group. He scored six goals in 708 minutes in the U18 Premier League, delivering a strong return. The striker is also an England youth international, with four goals and two assists in eight appearances for the under-16s.
Arsenal are hoping to add Bernard to recent academy arrivals that include Elijah Upson from Tottenham Hotspur and Axel Donczew from Cardiff City. The deal is expected to be completed and announced in the near future, allowing the youngster to prepare for the new under-18 season.
The U18 Premier League campaign begins this weekend with Arsenal travelling to West Bromwich Albion. Bernard will look to continue his development in north London after impressing at Palace.
Supporters of the academy will welcome another promising addition to the attacking ranks. The relatively straightforward nature of the agreement should allow a swift conclusion. Further confirmation is expected once the training compensation formalities are settled and the player officially becomes an Arsenal player.