Arsenal starlet Jordi Osei-Tutu is set to move to VFL Bochum in the coming days, although the financial details remain under wraps.
According to Sky Germany, Jordi Osei-Tutu is on the verge of joining VFL Bochum in the coming days, as the promising left-back looks to bring an end to his time at Arsenal. The full-back has previously spent time with the German club three years ago when they were in the second division of the Bundesliga.
Jordi Osei-Tutu garnered positive reviews for his performances in Arsenal’s youth team. Much was expected out of the young defender, who could have gradually made his way through to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad had it not been for fitness troubles.
The left-back has been hampered by injuries and was on the sidelines for most of the last season. He spent the first half of the previous campaign on loan to Nottingham Forest, making just four appearances in the EFL Championship. The team played 23 games in that period, and Osei-Tutu missed 19 of those due to a hamstring problem before suffering an ankle issue in late December.
Osei-Tutu subsequently joined League One side Rotherham for the second half of the English campaign. The 23-year-old regained his fitness and played 14 times for them. However, while he is back fit at Arsenal, his days in north London are numbered, as the club are set to sell him on.
Bundesliga side VFL Bochum are poised to sign him permanently, and Osei-Tutu is reportedly set to sign a three-year contract with the club until 2025. The left-back previously spent the 2019/20 season at the club, when they played in the second division of German football. The youngster played his best football to date with Bochum and remains eager to rejoin the club.
Bochum recently sold Armel Bella-Kotchap to Southampton and have minimal cash to bring in another young defender. Osei-Tutu may not be the replacement for the 20-year-old centre-back, but the Arsenal youngster represents a solid option at left-back for the club.
There’s a lot of movement for young footballers, especially at Southampton and Arsenal. The Saints, having signed a young centre-back in Bella-Kotchap, are also eyeing a move for Neco Williams from Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to allow midfield prodigy Miguel Azeez to depart on loan, with Spanish side Girona keen on the youngster. The Gunners are now allowing Osei-Tutu out on a permanent move, which they believe will be the perfect decision for his career.
Osei-Tutu has a contract until 2023, which could allow Arsenal to seek compensation. Bochum could be expected to pay a minimal fee, although the financial details are under wraps.