Cardiff City's youngest-ever player, Axel Donczew, is set to sign for Arsenal next week. The Gunners have agreed a deal for the Wales under-19 international, who Fabrizio Romano claims has already had a medical.
Donczew, 16, debuted for the Bluebirds as a second-half substitute during their EFL Trophy match against Newport County in October, aged 15 years and 234 days. He broke a record that his team-mate Rob Tankiewicz set barely an hour earlier by starting the group stage game. Aaron Ramsey had previously held the record for 18 years. He was also the last player Arsenal signed from Cardiff. The Gunners spent £7million on a 17-year-old Ramsey in 2018. That move came after the midfielder made 22 appearances across all competitions for Cardiff, whereas Donczew has played just twice.
The Telegraph initially reported that the Gunners were keen on the teenager, who is expected to join their academy. News of the deal surfaced less than 24 hours after Arsenal's interest in Vinicius Junior emerged. Real Madrid's winger would likely cost a record-breaking fee for the Gunners to sign, but they are believed to be exploring the possibility. Jose Mourinho is reportedly reluctant to lose the Brazilian, but his lack of a new contract at the Bernabeu means Real could cash in this summer.
In terms of Donczew, he has been missing from Cardiff City's pre-season activities this summer following interest from Premier League sides. Fulham had previously expressed interest in the right-footed left winger, who can also play centrally as an attacking midfielder. Donczew last played for Cardiff in December, making another substitute appearance during an EFL Trophy round of 32 tie against Wimbledon. A fortnight later, Donczew was included in the matchday squad for their EFL Cup quarter-final against Chelsea, but did not feature.
Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy said late last year:
"I think if they're good enough, and he clearly is, then they're old enough for us with Axel. The former Manchester City youth coach hailed Donczew as a "brilliant player".
He has already earned recognition as a Wales under-19 international. Donczew has represented his national side since the under-15s.
The youngster has racking up 11 appearances across various age groups, and also holds eligibility to feature for Poland. Wales senior side head coach Craig Bellamy, however, is said to be an admirer of the youngster.
Under-21s coach Darren Purse told WalesOnline:
"I think Axel came into fruition because I think Craig Bellamy really liked him as an Under-16 playing for Wales. I think that came through him and the gaffer's (Barry-Murphy) conversations."
CAA (Creative Artists Agency) Stellar represents Donczew. The prominent agency's lengthy list of clients also notably includes two current Arsenal academy players: Angelinou Pedro and Theo Julienne.
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