Axel Donczew is on the verge of leaving Cardiff City for Arsenal after completing a medical, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The 16-year-old became the Bluebirds' youngest ever player when he made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy last season and has long been regarded as one of the club's standout academy prospects.
Medical completed
Romano claimed on Sunday that Donczew has already undergone a medical ahead of finalising his move to north London this week. The Athletic first reported earlier this month that Arsenal were closing in on a deal for the midfielder.
No pre-season involvement
It is understood that Donczew has not been part of Cardiff's pre-season this summer, with the player having decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere. An Instagram post by Rising Ballers detailing the proposed transfer was 'liked' by Donczew himself, as well as Ronan Kpakio, Ryan Wintle, Dakarai Mafico, Dan Ola and Paul Moreno.
Compensation details undisclosed
The finances behind the compensation package have not been made public, but the fact multiple clubs were interested in Donczew suggests Cardiff were in a strong negotiating position. Cardiff's growing reputation for producing top talent has drawn interest from bigger clubs, but the Bluebirds have managed to keep other prospects, with Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio opting for first-team involvement over potential moves away in the last 12 months.
Impact on other players
Rob Tankiewicz, who held Cardiff's youngest player record before Donczew broke it in the same match, has had increased first-team involvement in pre-season, scoring twice against Cork City and in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week. Tankiewicz looks set for even more first-team involvement this season, while Donczew will likely have to take a different route, playing for Arsenal's youth teams before any senior minutes.
