Arsenal leading the race for Bournemouth starlet Ajani Burchall

Arsenal are continuing their work behind the scenes ahead of the coming summer transfer window with their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Ajani Burchall gathering momentum.

Since officially assuming the position of Arsenal academy manager in July 2018, Per Mertesacker has been the focal point of an extensive recruitment drive. That has been ramping up since the previous summer, where Nikolaj Moller, Jonathan Dinzeyi, Omar Rekik, George Lewis, Tim Akinola, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand and Joel Ideho all linked up with the Under-23 squad.

The latest to have caught the Gunners’ eye is Bournemouth’s Ajani Burchall, who became the Cherries’ third-youngest-ever player after he was substituted on late in the club’s 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town back in December.

At only 16 years of age, Burchall still attends school and despite being with the club since 2016, recently snubbed the offer of a scholarship deal at the Championship side.

https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1338071163725987842

Arsenal leading the race for Bournemouth starlet Ajani Burchall who appears destined for a Premier League move in the summer transfer window

Given the recent developments, clubs in the top tier of English football have been linked with his signature, with The Scottish Sun claiming that Arsenal are leading the way to secure the Bermudan forward.

Speaking to the Royal Gazette in January, Burchall expressed a desire to continue his development and earn further minutes in the Cherries’ first-team.

"“I look forward to improving myself physically and technically, which would help to improve me as a player,” he said.“Hopefully I can keep improving and score some goals as well as get some assists. If I can do these things maybe I’ll impress enough to get more minutes and experience with the first team.”"

Interest from further up the English football pyramid has played its part in the newest developments, and all signs point towards these being the final few months of his career on the south coast.

What could further aid Arsenal in their pursuit is the likely arrival of Thierry Henry as the new Bournemouth manager. The club legend is tipped to be former boss Jason Tindall’s replacement at the helm one that has been left in caretaker charge with Jonathan Woodgate.

No doubt Mikel Arteta will be getting on the phone to his (briefly) former teammate in a bid to sweeten the deal.