Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger (Photo : Reuters)
Premier League club Arsenal FC finalized the transfer of teenage Dutch forward Donyell Malen from Ajax Amsterdam, as per the Mirror.
The 16-year-old striker, who was reportedly eyed by Manchester United and Barcelona as well, chose to be on a scholarship deal with Arsenal instead of staying with his hometown Eredivisie squad.
The Lancers management and coaches were visibly upset by the young footballer's decision as Ajax head of youth development Wim Jonk said that it was "extremely unfortunate" that Malen elected to leave.
Jonk added that they were working to maximize the potentials of the teenager within de Joden's system and they can see that he has a bright future ahead of him. But it was still up to the boy to decide whether he wants to stay or not.
"We have made him an excellent offer and presented a clear development plan but the player has still made another choice, which is disappointing," Jonk said, as indicated by Bleacher Report. "The potential is clear and the opportunities will come with Ajax. We are continuing with the guys who do believe in it."
The Amsterdam Arena has an excellent track record in terms of developing young talents through their youth program, but the wonderkid may just be fancying to play with the more popular teams in the English league going into his senior career.
As gifted as Malen is, it should be noted that he will not be playing for Arsenal's first team as of the moment. He needs a few more years to grow both physically and mentally first before he can manage the pressure of the seniors.
Malen is under the guidance of Mino Raiola, the same agent that handles stars Paris Saint-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juventus' Paul Pogba, Liverpool's Mario Balotelli, and Everton's Romelu Lukaku.
