Lille's rising teenage talent Joel Ngoya in action. (Image Credits: Twitter)
According to Daily Express, Premier League side Arsenal have expressed an interest in Lille teenager Joel Ngoya.
The 18-year-old midfielder is seen as a rising talent and has caught the eye of not just Arsenal but also rivals Manchester United and Chelsea after impressing for Lille’s youth side this season.
Ngoya has played in all three of Lille’s UEFA Youth League matches this term and stood out particularly in the game against Chelsea’s under-19 side last December. The French teenager is yet to make an appearance for the Lille senior side and has not yet signed a professional deal with the club. Hence, Ngoya is eligible to leave the club for free with his current contract set to expire at the end of this month.
Except for a star striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, and a few youngsters like Gabrielle Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka, the rest of players have failed to impress this season. In fact, Martinelli and Saka have been the Gunners’ biggest revelations this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta shakes hands with his Arsenal players. (Getty Images)18-year-old Martinelli arrived just last summer from Brazil and has gone on to score 10 goals and provide 4 assists from 26 matches, making him one of the key players in the current line-up.
Academy graduate Saka has impressed with 3 goals and 10 assists from 31 appearances, proving that Arsenal’s decision to keep faith in young upcoming talents has fared well. Similarly, it would be wise of the Gunners to make a move for Ngoya as he could prove to be an excellent signing for the club in the long run.
Also, with veteran playmaker Mesut Ozil suffering a dip in form in recent times and clearly showing signs of ageing, Arsenal are in clear need of some new and young faces in their midfield. Considering all this, Arsenal must soon make a move for teenager Ngoya.
Martinelli and Saka’s growth as the team’s key players this season are clear examples that Arsenal have to believe in rising young talents. Having proved himself at Lille, Ngoya could be an excellent future investment for the Gunners. Moreover, he is still in his teens and can develop further under the guidance of Arteta.
