Arsenal are reportedly set to complete the signing of 16-year-old sensation Axel Donczew from Cardiff City.
The Gunners have moved for another history-making teenager after missing out on Jeremy Monga, who joined Manchester City.
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Monga is the second youngest ever player in Premier League history and the youngest ever Championship goalscorer, and he signed for Man City from Leicester earlier this summer.
That deal was completed despite Arsenal having an agreement in place, with City swooping in to complete a hijack and sign the starlet.
Mikel Arteta missed out on his target in the end – but the club have now made an approach for a second youngster.
According to The Athletic, the Gunners are on the brink of signing Donczew, who is Cardiff’s youngest ever player.
The midfielder made his Bluebirds debut in October 2025, appearing as a substitute in an EFL Trophy tie against Newport County.
His first appearance, at 16 years and 117 days old, saw him break the record set by ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, who made his Cardiff bow aged 16 years and 123 days old in 2007.
He then went on to feature in another game in the cup competition, playing 23 minutes against AFC Wimbledon in December.
Donczew also has caps for Wales on the international stage, playing for his country at under-15 level through to the under-19s.
Across his 11 national appearances, he has scored two goals.
The teenager is also eligible to play for Poland, so he has multiple options when it comes to future senior representation.
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Arsenal’s signings so far this summer
Donczew looks set to be the next arrival for Arsenal in this transfer window, with the Gunners already welcoming two new faces.
Christos Tzolis’ signing was confirmed on Thursday, as the ex-Norwich winger made a £34million move from Club Brugge.
That came after former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined the club following the expiration of his contract at Elland Road.
In fact, the Gunners have made three signings already this summer, if you include the permanent arrival of Piero Hincapie.
Hincapie spent last season on loan at the Emirates, but signed a full-time contract at the club for £34.5m in June.
More incomings are expected though, as Arteta looks to bolster his squad for their Premier League title defence this term.
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Arsenal have been linked with John Stones, who is now a free agent after leaving Man City at the end of his contract.
And they are also continuing to pursue Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, having already seen an approach rejected.
The Gunners made an offer of £65m for Guimaraes, but they were knocked back, despite agreeing personal terms.
They are expected to return with an improved bid for the Brazilian, who is understood to want to leave St. James’ Park.
That new offer for the Toon captain is set to be over £70m.
