Arsenal are one of the few clubs in England who truly give their youngsters a chance to shine. And this is why it is never a surprise when youngsters reject other Premier League clubs for a move to Arsenal. The youngsters know they have a real chance of breaking into the first team with Wenger.
And one player many Arsenal fans are hoping will be given a chance with the first team is Charlie Gilmour. Arsenal have today confirmed that after some impressive appearances with the Arsenal’s youth team in the last few seasons, Charlie Gilmour’s hard work has paid off, as the club have rewarded him with a professional contract. This is a big indication that Wenger and the academy coaches see a big future for the youngster at the club.
Additionally, by signing a professional contract, Arsenal will be able to keep predatory clubs, such as Manchester United and Chelsea who have in the past been linked with the signing of the youngster, at bay. Charlie Gilmour’s brother plays for Manchester United, so it would not be surprising if the Red Devils made a move to reunite the pair.
Gilmour plays in different positions in midfield, but his main position seems to be ‘the number 10 role’. He has been described by observers of the Arsenal youth team as a world class midfielder in making. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has been described by Arsenal youth coach Frans de Kat as a player “who has clever feet and an eye for a pass”.
Gilmour has played for both England and Scotland at youth level but has yet to make up his mind about which of the two countries he intends to represent at senior level.
However, with a professional contract now signed, he can settle down and get the England manager (whoever that may be) to take notice of him. He may just be 15, but he certainly doesn’t look far away from getting his chance to play for the seniors at both club and national team level.
