Arsenal face battle to keep academy star as City loom

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal will have to fend off a rival bid from Manchester City for academy star, Chris Willock. 

The highly-rated winger’s current deal with the Gunners runs out on June 30 and is currently locked in contract talks with Arsenal, who are keen not to allow him to leave as a free agent. With his contract running down, multiple clubs have registered an interest in the 19-year-old, including Celtic, Borussia Dortmund and Everton. 

Willock – who’s brother is also at Arsenal – is one of the club’s most prized prospects having progressed through Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. The England under-19 international scored three times and provided eight assists in the Premier League 2 last season, and is thought to be close to breaking into the first-team for Arsenal.