Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly chasing 16-year-old Daniel Adshead, who currently plies his trade for League One outfit Rochdale.
According to ESPN and their sources close to Rochdale, their 16-year-old wonderkid Daniel Adshead is generating a lot of interest from the Premier League. The report states that the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in the player and could be looking to prise the youngster away from the League One outfit.
Daniel Adshead is not an ordinary talent by any means. At 14, he was already sending waves across the entire country, with Rochdale including him in first-team training. And as he made his senior debut for the club in the September, aged 16 years and 17 days, in the EFL trophy against Bury FC, the player made his name into the record books for the club, becoming Rochdale’s youngest ever debutant.
A total of 7 appearances to boot this season, with an assist to show for his efforts as well, the player is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the league, despite being just 16. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked to the 16-year-old.
But, according to recent reports, it is brewing up to be a London battle, with Chelsea and Arsenal the two clubs reported to be chasing the 16-year-old midfielder. The two clubs have sent representatives to monitor the youngster’s performances on a regular basis and have already submitted enquiries for the midfielder.
Huge news for Daniel Adshead as he becomes the youngest player to ever play for @OfficiallyDale – wow! https://t.co/uHYXHLg7Gc pic.twitter.com/qpEcj0P6Tl
— Rochdale Riverside (@RDriverside) October 4, 2017
As reported earlier, the clubs will have to bide their time, with the player still a schoolboy till May, 2018. But, Chelsea and Arsenal are looking to steal a march on others by having an agreement in place with Rochdale.
Rochdale manager Keith Hill had already highlighted young Daniel’s potential, stating that the opportunities that have been afforded to the 16-year-old is all due to his talent and unrelenting progress.
“Dan has deserved the opportunity. I always intended on rewarding Dan for what I believe he can become and for what he’s also doing now because he deserves it.”
At Rochdale, Adshead has the experienced eyes of Keith Hill keeping a close eye on him. The manager has been credited with a big hand in the development of talents like Danny Drinkwater, Craig Dawson, John Stones and Scott Hogan – all of whom are currently Premier League stars.
And Adshead will be hoping to follow in their footsteps. Although, the task at hand will first be clocking minutes under his belt on a more regular basis, before seeking a move to the top-tier, where he is most likely to be sent out on loan to the lower leagues again.