EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal Under-18s wonder-kid labelled 'new Wilshere' set for promotion

Steve Kay

Updated: 12 May 2024 20:59 BST
5 min read

Arsenal are currently in negotiations with 18-year-old attacking midfielder Harrison Dudziak with the aim of securing his signature ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League season, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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Dudziak's performances have left a significant impression on manager Jack Wilshere, who awarded him with the captain's armband this season for his stunning displays in red.

Sources close to the club suggest that Wilshere sees parallels between his style of play and Dudziak's, therefore believes it's imperative to secure his future at the club promptly to ward off potential interest from other clubs.

Dudziak's first season was disrupted by injury but he still played 13 times for the Under-18s and provided assists in consecutive games against Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion.

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Arsenal wonder-kid to receive upgrade

Now, he is poised to make the transition to full-time involvement at the Under-21s level, marking a significant step forward in his development.

The 18-year-old has played 32 times so far this season for Arsenal, netting two goals and providing five assists for his team-mates during that time.

The youngster joined the club’s U18s from the Arsenal youth setup and has flourished ever since, with the player being hugely admired by former Gunners star Wilshere.

It comes after Arsenal earned three points against Manchester United on Sunday to keep their Premier League title ambitions alive.

The Gunners defeated the Red Devils 1-0 after Leandro Trossard netted following a mistake from Casemiro.

It sends Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League table, with one game remaining. Manchester City are a point behind, in second place, but have a game in hand on the London outfit.