Arsenal have reportedly scooped up former Chelsea youth defender Zech Medley. The youngster had played through the ranks of the West London club since he was 8 years old was shown the exit door six weeks ago. The 16 year old has been picked up by the North London side and everyone knows best, Arsenal is the home for developing and nurturing talented youngsters. Medley has represented England on 7 occasions at youth level and became Arsenal’s 12th scholarship intake of the year.
Medley was all smiles when signing his new contract for Arsenal, however the move was another lifeline as the gangly centre-back was often seen as a below par player in his earlier club. Despite making an impression to the Gunners instantly, Medley was the highlight of the first trial game for all the wrong reasons.
Medley conceded a penalty which allowed his opponents to equalize and the recklessness helped in ending the match 1-1.
On the bright side however, Medley has shown he is consistent and has ample amount of potential and with proper coaching and training those errors could vanish.
Most notably the towering defender possesses a massive amount of confidence on the ball with an ability to play quick passes which should suit Arsenal in their style of play. His height gives him the advantage to be a threat in the aerial duals.
Zech Medley could see himself on the verge of being one of Arsenal’s most key defenders in the future following the footsteps of Ashley Cole and Martin Keown, who not only broke into the first team but made a notable stamp of authority and name at the club.
The North London club failed to fortify their defense this summer for their U-18’s but look to have found a decent signing in Medley, what makes the deal more sweet is that the teenager came from bitter rivals Chelsea.
This would cause concern for the Blues as the Gunners could be eyeing up their other on-loan youth players who are trying to prove a point to their parent club.
It’s still early days to say if Chelsea’s loss is Arsenal’s gain but with the transfer market opening up soon, each club will look to purchase high quality superstars and lure them to London.
