Arsenal eye record-breaking wonderkid as champions’ summer rebuild continues

View 2 Images

Arsenal are showing ‘strong interest’ in a deal for Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew in what could be another eye-catching swoop.

The Gunners have already been active in the market this summer, with a series of deals having been completed. Piero Hincapie has been signed on a permanent deal following his loan spell, while Ilian Meslier has added to the North Londoners’ goalkeeping ranks.

On the outgoing front, Leandro Trossard has departed for Besiktas, with Jakub Kiwior having joined Porto on a permanent deal.

Arsenal could rubber-stamp another significant move over the coming days, with a deal having been agreed for Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis. But it now appears that the Gunners are also keen to add to their youth ranks, too.

As per The Telegraph , Arsenal have strong interest in Cardiff midfielder Donczew, who broke the Welsh club’s record of their youngest-ever player last season after making his debut at 15 years and 234 days.

Speaking at the time, Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy said: "I think it's probably a bit surreal for them in this moment, but you can see from their families it's an extraordinarily powerful occasion for them.

"It's an insight into what we want this club to become - exceptionally talented players from the city representing their home club. Those two have really earned their place in this squad irrespective of how many players we had away or not available. We have the highest hopes for them the future."

He added: “For Axel to come on and show real signs of what we've seen in training at such a young age. We see them very much inside.

View 2 Images

“We finished the game with Troy Perrett, who's never played wide, on one side, and Axel on the other side. He's very much a central player who can play inside in attacking midfield areas.”

Should Arsenal complete a deal, Donczew would go into the Gunners’ academy set-up, with the potential for first-team exposure in the future. The North London side have already moved for a number of promising young players over the past few years.

They sealed a notable double deal for Ecuadorian brothers Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente del Valle last season, the pair set to formalise their move to the Emirates when they turn 18 in August 2027. Arsenal were also interested in a deal for Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, only to be beaten to his signature by Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Content cannot be displayed without consent