Brighton are the latest team to have made an enquiry for Arsenal youngster Khayon Edwards, football.london understands. The 18-year-old is currently on a scholarship deal which expires in the summer and talks have been ongoing over a new contract for several months.
Edwards has scored 17 goals and made six assists for the academy this season, with only Folarin Balogun involved in more goals at youth level. Most of his appearances have come for the Under-18's and it was understood that Edwards, who shares the same agent as Bukayo Saka and Balogun, is moving closer to signing a new contract with the club.
As first reported by football.london, Chelsea are also interested in signing Edwards who was a boyhood Blues supporter. The majority of the second year scholars have been offered new contracts with agreements reached on many, while others are still in negotiations over signing on. However, football.london has learnt that young goalkeeper Remy Mitchell has not been offered a professional contract.
READ MORE: Three things that could happen to Arsenal if Erling Haaland signs for Manchester City
Academy chief Per Mertesacker recently talked at Youth Development Webinar about his overall vision of creating ‘Strong Young Gunners’.
“I think it was formulated four years ago, in my last season as a player (2017/18),” Mertesacker said. “I came up with a framework of what I believe, from my own experience and also by talking to people.
“Strong Young Gunners means this is our vision where we want our players to stand strong in every scenario they will face. We are passionate about creating youngsters who can rise to any challenge and we have a rich history and heritage we want to pay tribute to and carry on."
