Reports that Arsenal are on the verge of signing winger George Lewis have caught his former Tromsdalen coach Jonathan Hill by surprise, speaking to Goal.
The 19-year-old forward might be a player with explosive pace and ‘outstanding’ natural talent, but it remains to be seen whether he will be another Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates or merely a second coming of Joel Campbell.
Goal reports that the Gunners, who are no stranger to putting faith in unproven youngsters, are expected to offer a contract to Lewis after he caught the eye of the club’s staff during an impressive trial period in north London earlier this year.
Hill, the former Manchester City and Manchester United coach, worked with the teenager at Tromsdalen and, while his potential has never been in doubt, a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs has come right out of the blue.
After all, Lewis is hardly a high-profile name in Norwegian football right now.
“I’m delighted for George, but I’m also a little surprised. He’s nearly 20 and never been near the national teams and it’s not like he’s gone off the radar here during his development,” Hill says.
“He’s got some really outstanding qualities, but he’s also raw. If this happens, it’s brilliant because he does have some talent.
“I’m a little shocked but can understand why George would impress coaches at Arsenal’s level. Why I’m surprised is that you have to look at why he’s not made it in Norway, which is the 26th ranked country in Europe and no-one else has taken him apart from me – who saw something in him.”
Lewis is expected to join up with Steve Bould’s U23 squad initially though, if he makes an impression behind the scenes, a first-team opportunity will come his way sooner rather than later.
In Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have a coach who is more than happy to give young players the platform to perform with Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock and Martinelli himself featuring regularly under the Spaniard in the last few months.
Lewis is certainly worth taking a punt on, with funds tight at the Emirates these days. Only time will tell, however, if the risk will reap rewards.
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