Arsenal hopeful of keeping star eyed by Chelsea

The summer window for Arsenal will be all about bringing in the best talent they can in forward positions, with sales from the first team likely kept to a minimum.

Both senior centre-forwards will bid farewell when their deals end and sourcing their replacements is the number one priority for Mikel Arteta. What he can’t afford to do is lose any more strikers.

Some of those he may not see for a few years. Folarin Balogun was the latest Hale End graduate to break into the senior side after some stirring performances at youth level, and while his future is bright, even he has development to go before he can be in regular first team recognition.

Khayon Edwards is someone who isn’t knocking on Arteta’s door any time soon but is entering the territory where his future needs to be resolved. Currently on a scholarship deal that expires in the summer, getting him tied down has been one of Per Mertesacker’s priorities this season.

Arsenal star striker Khayon Edwards is being watched by Chelsea ahead of contract decision with current deal expiring in the summer

As per football.london, the club are still hopeful the 18-year-old will pen fresh terms, similar ones to those offered to the majority of the second year scholars. In the case of many they’ve already been agreed, and hope is Edwards will follow suit, but there is understandable growing interest from around Europe.

RB Leipzig, Hertha Berlin & Feyenoord have all been linked with the striker, while Chelsea are also said to be monitoring Edwards’ progress.

Given his numbers at youth level it is little surprise. Netting 17 goals and registering six assists across 22 appearances this season, only Balogun has been involved in more goals overall at youth level than the Under-18 star.

Academy chief Mertesacker recently talked at a Youth Development Webinar about his overall vision of creating ‘Strong Young Gunners’, a vision he firmly sees Edwards as part of.

"“Strong Young Gunners means this is our vision where we want our players to stand strong in every scenario they will face,” he said.“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.”"