Despite having two trials with the club in recent weeks, Arsenal remain undecided on whether to firm up their interest in Cheltenham Town’s utility man Jamie Edge.
The 15-year-old spent time with Manchester United over the Easter break, but recently turned out for the Under 16’s against Portsmouth. He impressed both clubs. Liam Brady then invited Jamie to join the travelling party for the trip to Italy to defend the Atalanta Cup.
Edge featured mostly as a centre back throughout the tournament, with mixed results. He was part of a back four that was tortured and eventually succumbed to Inter Milan as Steve Gatting’s boys lost their grip on the prestigious gong. It was a rather unfortunate end to what’s been a hugely successful campaign for the Under 16’s and for Edge in particular.
Figures of around £100,000 are being talked about as a potential fee – whether it comes as a straight transfer deal or via a tribunal. With that money coming from Liam Brady’s budget, the former Celtic boss is weighing up his options before making any decisions. There is currently a whole wealth of centre backs coming through the system yet Jamie’s ability to play in midfield could swing the balance.
It promises to be an interesting summer of transfers in particular with the youth team, as both Banfield and Bould look to overhaul their squads ahead of the 2010-2011 season.
Article By – J.Sanderson
2009-2010 i think u mean
Which other good CB’s are coming through? I know of those who already have played for U-18 this year, like Miquel, Boateng, Blackwood, Bartley and Ayling. But only Miquel and Boateng would be young enough to feature for u18 next season..
U16 guys like Yennaris and Wynter, are they natural CBs? Or are they only playing there in lack of other options for the CB positions?
If Manchester United want him also,then the kid must have some sought of talent so why not take a punt on him like we did with Luke Freeman last season IMO.
Mate I live in Gloucester, and know the lads family. Trust me he WILL sign for Arsenal!
When Arsenal invited him to Italy he was unsure if he could go because of insurance problems between Arsenal and Cheltenham. He was travelling to the airport but unsure if he could actually get on the plane!
When he arrived at the airport he said that people were taking loads of photographs of him, without knowing who he was!
This lad will be awesome, but is not a centre-back.
Miquel, boateng, ayling, bartley are all brilliant future players. I can see Luke ayling captaing arsenal hes got that leadership skills u need in a centre half. Hes organisers the defence and puts his body in the line
we should sign him because competition for places will bring the best out in all our young CB’s
Arsenal need to buy some wingers. We dont have any good left or right wingers. But the problem is we got so mnay CM we cant all let them play in the middle we play them on the wings.
J, I heard Wellington was with the squad for the Atlanta Cup as well…What is going on with him?
i’m sure it said on this website that salamanca where playing in the emirates cup this year.
Wellington scored the winner against argentina on penalties. Apparently Wellington been the revelation in the tournament with alot of clubs going after him. But he said he wants to play for arsenal. We better sign up quick before man utd, real come in for him
Arsenal need to spice up a bit on their defence and striker. They were thrashed by Chelsea. Lol
chet tow fan hear i think if edge comes to you he will be a first team player by the time he is 19 good player martin allen wanted to play him in the first team in the second part of the season but was too young
talk about tortured back four, what about total lack of going foward, lol!!!
Jamie, any chance you could come on MSN tomorrow afternoon about 4-5pm?
Cheers. :)
arsenal should send a scout to watch another talented midfirlder from algeria lives in gloucester the best for his age