Arsenal have confirmed the signing of teenage defender Zech Medley.
The 16-year-old was on Chelsea’s books for eight years but left the Blues in October and subsequently attracted interest from a number of clubs.
Several of those clubs offered Medley a trial, including Arsenal, who have retained him after he impressed during his time with them.
He has been signed on scholarship terms, making him the 12th member of Arsenal’s scholarship intake this year.
Season 2016/17
#CFC pic.twitter.com/hgRq6KMWho — †zechariah’medley (@Z_Medz) July 8, 2016
Medley, an England youth international, can operate in different positions but is primarily a central defender.
At Chelsea he played alongside the likes of highly-rated youngsters like Dujon Sterling and prolific England Under-17 striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale.
He was given a scholarship deal at Stamford Bridge in the summer but was surprisingly released by Chelsea a couple of months later.
Medley subsequently featured in a number of matches for Arsenal’s Under-18 side, making his debut against Fulham.
He gave away a penalty in that game but impressed during his trial and Arsenal were keen to add a defender to their Under-18 squad.