Arsenal teenager Khayon Edwards is wanted by Leeds United and Newcastle United – but the Gunners are holding out hope that he stays put.
The Daily Mail reported back in December that Arsenal were struggling to sort out a new contract with Edwards ahead of his contract expiring this summer.
That report noted that Leeds United and Newcastle United both want to sign Edwards whilst Chelsea, Southampton and European clubs were also keen.
Edwards is still on his scholarship deal and could simply walk away from Arsenal within a matter of months.
The 18-year-old striker has emerged as an exciting prospect at Arsenal, bagging 16 goals and five assists across 16 games in the Under-18 Premier League games.
Arsenal understandably want to keep hold of Edwards and ensure he remains out of the clutches of Leeds and Newcastle.
Football London now claim that Edwards is ‘moving closer’ to signing a new contract after months of negotiations.
Edwards allegedly shares an agent with Bukaoy Saka and Folarin Balogun, which may have helped overcome some issues in the talks.
Edwards will ultimately want a pathway to first-team football in the coming years having seen Saka and Emile Smith Rowe emerge as stars.
Balogun was Arsenal’s big hope but he struggled for first-team football and is now on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough.
A loan move could be in Edwards’ future too, but he will have wanted his coming years mapped out before committing to Arsenal.
Leeds have recruited well in terms of young talents in recent times, even snapping up Sam Greenwood from Arsenal, whilst Newcastle are looking to splash he cash.
Those situations have left Arsenal in danger of losing Edwards, but the latest update is very positive and indicates that a top young talent is staying in North London after all.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
