Arsenal have announced the signings of three youngsters: Joel Lopez, Sam Greenwood and Karl Hein.
Lopez, who was regarded as one of the most promising talents in Barcelona’s academy decided to join the Gunners earlier this summer.
It’s understood Arsenal’s head of football relations, Raul Sanllehi, formerly director of football at Barca, played a major role in luring the 16-year-old to north London.
Another 16-year-old, Greenwood, who has represented England at youth level, caught the attention of Arsenal after notching up six goals and six assists for Sunderland’s Under-18s last season.
According to Metro UK, the Gunners beat off competition from Manchester United, Liverpool and Stuttgart to secure the forward’s signature.
Also, 17-year-old Estonian goalkeeper Hein, completed a move to the Emirates after an agreement was reached with FC Nomme United.
All three players have joined the North London outfit’s academy as first year scholars.
Mart Poom was pictured with Hein back in May and the former Arsenal Keeper is hopeful of his young compatriot reaching the first-team.
“The first year is the study of the academy, in other words, he is on a scholarship,” Metro UK quoted Poom as saying.
“Two years later, he will be able to play at U18 level, and then he will be in the U23 age class. Then it depends on him.
“We hope he will one day reach the first-team.
“This is definitely very difficult, but not impossible.”
