Frank Christian
Arsenal has welcomed 17-year-old defender Marcell Washington to their roster after his contract with Chelsea concluded.
The promising left-back spent over two months on trial with Arsenal, during which he participated in seven Premier League 2 matches.
He is now poised to finalize a professional agreement with the north London side after dedicating eight years to Chelsea’s youth academy.
Recognized for his poise on the ball and speed along the wing, he was a key player for the Blues’ Under-18 team and has represented England at the Under-16 level.
His transition away from Stamford Bridge aligns with a broader restructuring of Chelsea’s youth program, as multiple academy players depart this summer.
Arsenal swiftly moved to secure Washington’s talents after he showcased his skills during the trial, appearing in numerous games for the Under-21 squad.
He is anticipated to continue with the Under-21 team in the coming season, aiming to further his promising growth.
Under the stewardship of academy director Per Mertesacker, Arsenal’s youth development system has seen many players stepping up to the first team in recent years, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Washington’s addition underscores Arsenal’s dedication to enhancing their academy, focusing on attracting elite talent nationwide.
The Gunners have been particularly proactive in targeting players who have been released or are unsettled within rival Premier League academies.
Though primarily a left-back, Washington started off with Chelsea as a left-winger, showcasing his adaptability on the field.
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