Arsenal are monitoring the development of Everton’s youth sensation Thierry Small, who is also courted by Bayern Munich and Juventus.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Thierry Small. The 16-year-old Everton defender is tipped to become the next big thing in English football, following his rapid rise to prominence. He was notably awarded the U16 Player of the Year award last season at Everton and is currently playing his trade with the U18s.
Arsenal, however, aren’t the only club interested in his services as Small is also courted by reigning European champions Bayern Munich. Their Bundesliga rivals VfL Wolfsburg are said to be keen on the 16-year-old, along with Serie A giants Juventus.
A left-back by trade, Small has been compared to current Bayern superstar Alphonso Davies, who is considered as one of the best young full-backs in Europe. So unsurprisingly, the Everton youngster has impressed the onlookers with his pace and athleticism that are ideal characteristics for any player playing under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti.
As such, Small is already trying to break into the Everton first-team this season. And although the youngster is yet to make a professional appearance for the club, he did feature in one game for the reserve side last month.
The Toffees themselves value Small highly at the club and are desperate to keep hold of his services amid interest from a host of clubs across Europe. They have even offered him a lucrative three-year contract at the club, though it isn’t unreasonable to believe that it may not be enough should another club come knocking at the door.
While Bayern have already expressed concrete interest in his services, Small could find Arsenal an appealing destination for multiple reasons.
Especially in recent years, the Gunners have nurtured a host of academy talents and transformed them into Premier League stars. Bukayo Saka, in particular, has become an asset not only for Mikel Arteta but also for England while there are other names such as Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah.
Small, therefore, could find Emirates an appealing destination especially considering the fact that Arteta also lacks options in the left-back position after transforming Kieran Tierney into a centre-back. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was linked with a move away from the club in the summer, as well as Sead Kolasinac while Saka’s services are much more effective in a more offensive role.
It could provide Small the ideal opportunity to make a breakthrough, so it will be interesting to see whether or not the north London giants will make a move to secure the signing of the Everton whizkid in the upcoming January transfer window.
