Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly lost the race to sign Harrison Miles, with Manchester City set to land the 16-year-old English midfield sensation.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Harrison Miles has been popular in the market heading into the summer transfer window. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City have been keen on signing the English midfield sensation from Southampton, with the Premier League champions winning the race to secure his services.
Who is Harrison Miles?
Harrison Miles is the latest success story of the revered youth division at Southampton FC. The Saints have groomed top-class performers like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, and Matt Le Tissier, among others. Recent years have seen the rise of Will Smallbone and Matt Targett, among others.
Miles is one of the promising young prospects to have represented Southampton in age-group football. The 16-year-old has also made his mark on the international stage and should soon make his bow for England’s under-16 side. However, his time with Southampton will end soon, with Manchester City beating Arsenal and Chelsea to his signature.
A boy in demand
Arsenal and Chelsea have a rich history of signing highly-rated prospects a few years before turning professional. The two London rivals have also traded a few players, with Omari Hutchinson recently joining Chelsea from Arsenal. The Gunners recently showed interest in Ryan McAidoo, who might join Manchester City now.
So, it is hardly surprising that Harrison Miles emerged as a target for Arsenal and Chelsea, considering he is on the cusp of turning professional. However, the two London giants have lost the race to secure the services of the 16-year-old English midfield sensation to Manchester City.
Manchester City’s interest in Miles is unsurprising, considering the Elite Development Squad has had many success stories in the last few years. Phil Foden has been the torch-bearer of Manchester City’s youth division. The Citizens have recently shown interest in Franco Mastantuono, with Miles on the verge of moving to the club.
Miles has agreed to join Manchester City, and with the midfield department likely requiring reinforcements in a few years, the timing might be perfect. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Chelsea must set their sights elsewhere for a new youth signing.