Former Barcelona trainee Ignasi Miquel joined the Gunners from Catalan minnows UD Cornella in February 2008, but he didn’t complete the switch until 6 months later.

Miquel started out with FC Barcelona but was released after 5 years at the club. He received several offers but eventually joined UD Cornella who play at the 6th level of Spanish football. He was the star of their youth team and after buckling down and working hard, he was spotted by the selectors for the Spain squad who called him up for a tournament in Portugal. Scouts from across Europe were present as the giant centre back shone.

Manchester United and Villareal faxed offers through for a trial, but with Arsenal willing to pay top money in compensation, a deal was agreed. Miquel travelled to London where he was given the V.I.P treatment and even had dinner with his idol, Cesc Fabregas.

He sealed the switch to Arsenal at the close of the season. He made his debut during the Zinédine Zidane Tournament in Cannes and helped a young side claim the trophy. Steve Bouldwas obviously impressed and after a brief stint in the Under 16′s, he ‘dipped his foot in the water’ with a handful of appearances for the Under 18′s. Two injuries halted his run in the team but eventually he came back.

He built up a solid partnership with both Daniel Boateng and Luke Ayling and was a regular come the end of the season. However, his debut campaign got even better when Neil Banfield called up the prospect for the final two Reserves games of the season – a double header against West Brom. Many had good things to say about the 1.93m defender who will be aiming to establish himself in the second-string on a regular basis.

Strong, athletic and a awesome in the air, Ignasi is very much ‘one for the future’.

Name: Ignasi Miquel
Nickname: None
Age: 16
Nationality: Spanish
International: Yes (Under 16)
Position: Centre Back/Left Back
Height: 193cm
Previous Clubs: FC Barcelona, UD Cornella
Contract : Scholarship