Author: Staff Writer

Ryo Miyaichi will be on Reserve team duty this afternoon, Young Guns understands.

The 18-year-old has travelled North with Neil Banfield’s second string, who take on Wigan Athletic in their second Premier Reserve League fixture of the season. Miyaichi was added to Arsenal’s Champions League qualification round squad yesterday, but after missing a number of training sessions while awaiting his visa application, the quick-silver winger is a little short on fitness.

The fixture kicks off at 2pm, and you can follow live tweet updates on our Twitter feed.

Arsenal have agreed to sign Olney Soccer Club midfielder Gedion Zelalem, following a trial. The 14-year-old will join the Gunners on his 16th birthday, in January 2013.

Zelalem was put onto Arsenal’s North America scout Danny Karbassiyoon by Olney manager Matt Pilkington last season, and the club have followed up on the tip off by first watching the prospect at the Dallas Cup, then inviting him for a 10 day training stint at London Colney.

Gedion is a German-born Ethiopian, who was part of Hertha Berlin’s academy setup before moving to America five years ago. Arsenal denied an agreement has been reached during an interview with the Washington Post this week, but the player has since confirmed he will move to the Gunners on his 16th birthday.

Zelalem’s German citizenship means Arsenal will not require a work permit for the exciting play maker.

Arsenal kick off their Premier Reserve League campaign this evening, at a time when Arsène Wenger’s project youth is under increased pressure and scrutiny from Arsenal fans, frustrated by its results.

Neil Banfield’s second string welcome Manchester United to Underhill, hoping to inject some positivity back into a club that has lost its captain on the eve of a crucial Champions League qualifier with Udinese. The Reserves come into the new term in excellent form, having won and dominated every one of their five pre-season fixtures, scoring 23 goals and conceding just one along the way.

The summer has been a fruitful one for Arsenal’s Catalan captain, and I don’t mean Fàbregas. Ignasi Miquel, fresh from playing a key role in Spain’s Under-19 European Championship triumph returns to English soil and will lead the Gunners out at Underhill. He’s expected to be joined by another international star, in Kyle Ebecilio. The Dutchman inspired Holland to Under-17 glory, and claimed the Golden Player award in doing so, joining the likes of Wayne Rooney, Nuri Şahin and the aforementioned Fàbregas.

Attention will also turn to those who won’t be there tonight. Conor Henderson has seen surgery on his damaged cruciate ligaments put back due to swelling, with a recovery time of at least six months to follow. Craig Eastmond and Gavin Hoyte are closing in on come backs, but will probably be too short to play this evening.

Banfield will have a strong side to choose from, and will no doubt ask if Henri Lansbury and Benik Afobe will be allowed to step down from first-team training to take part. If they get the green light, they’ll join Vito Mannone in facing what should be an experienced United lineup.

Premier Reserve League success would be the perfect tonic to a season that is tipped to be one of negativity, and you can follow all the action on Young Guns. I’ll have live match tweets, as well as reports and analysis on the blog, but for the most up to date news, follow me on Twitter.

Come on, Arsenal.

Joel Campbell will arrive in London this morning to complete his £930,000 switch from Deportivo Saprissa. The fee is a Costa Rican record, but the money that’s changed hands isn’t the only bit of history made between the two clubs.

Saprissa president Juan Carlos Rojas has confirmed the 29-time Primera División Champions have agreed a partnership arrangement with the Gunners, after Richard Law was impressed with the sides youth setup. Rojas revealed the news at a press conference in San José over the weekend, in which Campbell was presented as an Arsenal player.

Rojas said the details of the setup were sketchy, but the initial plans include the sharing of training methods and the creation of an elite Academy, where Arsenal and Saprissa would have their pick of Costa Rican talent.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity to strengthen our organization through the sharing of best practices Arsenal. We will be visiting London next month and in due time we will provide details of this relationship, which includes close collaboration on a number of issues, as well as the creation of a Saprissa-Arsenal Academy.”

South American executive Law called into the press conference and spoke of his delight at capturing Campbell, who was later presented with an Arsenal shirt with his name on it. The 19-year-old then gave his view on the transfer.

“I’m very happy, very proud for my family, football and Costa Rica. Arsenal is a team that I’ve liked my whole life, and gives chances to young players. It’s a good team to show myself.”

Joel has signed a five-year-contract with the Gunners, and has already requested the number 12 shirt. Arsenal are hopeful of securing a work permit, but Campbell is expected to train with the first-team while awaiting confirmation.

Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with Deportivo Saprissa to wrap up the protracted transfer of Joel Campbell. The Costa Rican striker is due in London on Sunday to tie up the formalities.

Campbell was first subject of Arsenal interest two weeks ago, when executive Richard Law travelled to South America to tie up a deal. However, despite initially brokering an agreement, Law left the negotiating table after the player failed to show for his medical.

Yet following the completion of the Under-20 World Cup, the Gunners returned and have agreed on a long-term contract. A fee of around £930,000 will change hands, leading to over £1 million should variable bonuses be reached.

Campbell will hold a press conference in Costa Rica this evening.

Arsenal are in talks with Luton Town winger Tarum Dawkins, Young Guns understands.

The exciting and versatile winger has been training with Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s this week, as the club look to tie up the formalities of his move. Chelsea were also keen to sign Dawkins, after running the rule over him at Cobham last week, but the player prefers a move to North London.

Tarum is a tall and skillful wideman, who boasts bags of power and pace. He is seen as one of Luton’s prized assets, and one they’ve tried to keep under wraps, by twice withdrawing him from England duty with the Under 17’s.

You can view a video of the 15-year-old in action here.

Carlos Vela is hoping to leave Arsenal on loan this summer, but French outfit Lorient have not made an offer, according to the players agent Eduardo Hernández.

Vela has been an almost ever present during pre-season, after returning to North London following a six month stint with West Brom, where he scored two goals in eight matches. However, despite a summer reshuffle, the Mexican still finds himself down the pecking order.

Ligue One side Lorient were strongly linked with a move to sign Carlos on loan earlier in the week, but in an interview with Foot Mercato, agent Eduardo Hernández revealed there had been no contact over a deal, but Vela is willing to move on loan once again.

“We received no call from Lorient. I am in daily contact with Arsenal and nobody told me of such interest. As for the future of Carlos at Arsenal, it is true that we will discuss and study the possibility of going on loan.”

A key sticking point in any move would be the length of the loan, with Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh poised to jet off in January for the African Cup of Nations. A short-term move is likely to suit all parties, especially if the club can complete the protracted transfer of Saprissa striker Joel Campbell.

More news on potential ins and outs are expected in the next few days.