Arsenal agree deal & hold medical for Cardiff City signing

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Axel Donczew from Cardiff City, with the player already having held a medical with his new club.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Axel Donczew is set to sign for Arsenal from Cardiff City this week, with the two clubs agreeing a deal for his transfer.

Donczew has already completed his medical in London, so it seems there’s little standing in the way of the Gunners announcing the signing.

The Athletic had reported earlier this week that Arsenal were expected to complete the transfer, and it was described at the time as being “close”. It seems it’s now a done deal.

Sam Dean of The Telegraph initially reported that the Gunners were showing a strong interest in Donczew, adding that the player would initially link up with the Arsenal academy if he signs.

16-year-old Donczew has already made his senior debut for Cardiff, appearing in a couple of EFL Trophy group games at 15, becoming their youngest-ever player. Ironically, the only group game he missed was the one against the Arsenal u21s.

The attacking midfielder also made the bench for Cardiff in their League Cup quarter-final match against Chelsea, though he didn’t make it onto the pitch on that occasion.

Donczew made his debut for the Wales u19s this year, playing in a few u19 Euros qualifiers against France, Switzerland, and Hungary. He’s previously represented Wales at u15, u16, and u17 level, scoring a couple of goals for the u17s last November.

There are obviously high hopes for the youngster, given how far above his age group he’s playing for club and country. By age, he was an u16 player last season, so to be playing senior club football and u19 international football is impressive.

As well as playing in midfield, Donczew is also capable of operating out wide, and it remains to be seen where Arsenal plan to play him.

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