Arsenal have reportedly confirmed the signing of free agent Zech Medley, who was previously on the books of Chelsea.
Arsenal have completed the signing of exciting young prospect Zech Medley on a free transfer. The 16-year-old was previously a part of Chelsea’s youth setup, but has now been snapped up by Arsenal after the Blues didn’t extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. The North London club announced the signing earlier today.
Medley is a 16-year-old who is regarded as an exciting young defensive prospect. The youngster is a central defender and has been capped by England at the Under-16 level, racking up 10 appearances for the Three Lions and starting 9 of them.
Despite the player being widely recognised as an impressive talent and having been at the club since the age of eight, Chelsea let him go six weeks ago.
The player didn’t spend much time as a Bosman though, with Arsenal handing the 16-year-old a trial in the same month he was let go of by their London rivals.
Season 2016/17⚽️❤️ #CFC pic.twitter.com/hgRq6KMWho
— †zechariah’medley (@Z_Medz) July 8, 2016
Medley did not get off to a great start in his trial period, conceding a penalty in his first match against Fulham Under-18s, a fixture that ended 1-1. But the player seems to have impressed the coaches at Emirates enough for Arsenal to sign him as a first-year scholar.
Medley has now become Arsenal’s 12th academy signing for the 2016-17 season. The 16-year-old is set to be a part of Arsenal’s Under-18 team for the foreseeable future.
Chelsea fans would be well aware of the potential repercussions of letting a young prospect move to their London rivals. Arsenal, in Eddie Nketiah, already have a Chelsea reject that has blossomed into one of the most raved about youngsters right now.
The Nigerian was let go by his boyhood club Chelsea, and has now signed a professional contract at Arsenal. He recently scored a stunning hattrick for the Under-23 side to further showcase his ability.
Zech Medley would be hoping to follow in Nketiah’s footsteps and shrug off the disappointment of being spurned by his boyhood club to continue his development at Arsenal. He may well become an enticing talent for Arsenal.
The Gunners are known to give youngsters big opportunities, so he is at the perfect place to blossom into a defensive stalwart.
