Barcelona starlet Joel Lopez has revealed on his social media page that he has joined Arsenal this summer, following a persistent pursuit from the club.
Lopez has agreed a scholarship deal, but the 16-year-old full-back will sign first professional contract when he turns 17 in March next year.
“The day has come to say goodbye to what has been my home these last seven years. Thanks to Barcelona, it will be the club that I always carry in my heart for wonderful moments that I have lived with my friends, coaches, delegates, and executives.” Lopez posted.
“Magnificent people who have made me feel welcome from the first day. It was a difficult decision but after contemplating it with my family I made the decision to go and start a new stage as a footballer with great enthusiasm. Thanks to all who have been there always Visca Barca!” Lopez added.
Lopez, a graduated of La Masia, has been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent months. He will initially go into Arsenal’s U18 squad, and he could break into the 23s before the conclusion of the campaign.
The Gunners have a history of signing players from Barca’s youth academy with Cesc Fabregas, Jon Toral and Hector Berlin going on to build themselves as first-team regulars.
Arsenal appoint Unay Emery as their mew manager, replacing Arsene Wenger. (Source:www.dailyexpress.co.uk)
Arsenal have appointed Unai Emery as their new manager, replacing Arsene Wenger after twenty-two years at the helm. The Spaniard was chosen by Arsenal over a list of candidates reported to have included Thierry Henry, Massimiliano Allegri, and former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.
Emery was most recently the manager at the French champion Paris Saint-Germain but sacked at the end of 2017/18 season, despite guiding the club to the Ligue1 title and both French cups.
The 46-year-old manager told that with his coaching staff, they will do everything they can to help Arsenal reach success in the English Premier League, including on the international scene.
Arsenal finished the 2017/18 Premier League season in the sixth place and they failed to reach Champions League qualify in the upcoming season.
Emery on the other side, his priority is to recruit a fast, direct winger in the next few weeks, according to reports. It’s also reported that he was requested a new left-back if Nacho Monreal leaves the club this summer.
