Arsenal have been dealt a blow as their move for a top youngster has been hijacked at the last minute by Manchester City.
Arsenal are aiming to increase the quality of the Hale End academy by signing top young talents, and they recently confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Lucas Martin-Nygaard.
It was reported in recent months that Arsenal were closing in on a coup by signing Chelsea wonderkid Ryan McAidoo directly from their academy. The winger had received proposals from several clubs, but Arsenal were considered the front-runners until now.
Manchester City hijack Arsenal deal for Chelsea star Ryan McAidoo
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Manchester City have hijacked Arsenal’s move for McAidoo, with the youngster choosing the Etihad Stadium as his next destination.
“Ryan McAidoo leaves Chelsea and he’s set to join Manchester City. 2008-born talented forward decides to join City, deal hijacked after proposals from other Premier League top clubs. Deal in place and huge talent for Man City Academy,” he posted on X.
It has also been revealed that McAidoo even “visited” Arsenal’s training ground ahead of a potential move, but Edu Gaspar will now be frustrated that the deal could not be completed.
“Visited Arsenal, but deal was already in place with Man City,” X user TheSecretScout posted.
Arsenal could miss out on potential windfall with Ryan McAidoo
McAidoo will now join Man City, but given the quality in their side, first-team action seems a long way away.
However, he could still follow the path of Romeo Lavia or James Trafford, as Man City youngsters who then see their values soar when bought by Premier League sides.
If he had joined Arsenal, he could have developed into a player that either showed the quality to join Mikel Arteta’s side and compete with Bukayo Saka, or earn Arsenal a transfer windfall with interest from elsewhere.
With Omari Hutchinson joining Ipswich for a significant fee from Chelsea, Arsenal are well aware of the potential for some youngsters to earn huge fees, and should McAidoo develop into a Premier League level talent, they may come to regret not landing him now.