Arsenal announced the signing of academy talent Jonathan Dunzey this week, securing the 20-year-old defender’s signature following his departure from north London rivals Tottenham.
Dinzeyi will initially be part of the under-23 set-up at Arsenal, although the club will be hoping he continues his development and is able to join the current crop of home-grown youngsters in the first team over the next few days. Weather
Despite joining the Gunners from Tottenham, where he previously spent 12 years from the age of eight, Danzi originally grew up an Arsenal fan and the move represents a return to his footballing roots – Maybe something he remained silent in Spurs!
Dunzey described Arsenal as a ‘massive’ club, telling Arsenal.com: “They have a great history and with the new manager coming in who likes to play a lot of young players, I think it’s my It’s a great opportunity to show the fans and the coaching staff what I’m all about.”
Steve Bould is the Arsenal Under-23 manager / Pat Norton / Getty Images.
As well as being an Arsenal fan, Dunzey chose the club because Steve Bould is in charge of the Under-23 squad and the youngster hopes he can learn from the Gunners legend.
“Knowing that Steve Bould is the head coach was a big factor for me. He’s a legend at the club and he’s played in my position, so I’m really hoping to use him to develop my game. Can learn,” Dunzey explained of his decision to sign for Arsenal.
Dunzey says he’s a ‘ball-playing centre-half’ / Catherine Ivel/Getty Images
As already indicated in reference to his definition of Bold, Danzi is primarily a centre-back. He is a physical player who, by his own admission, loves tackling and heading, but the youngster is also a thoroughly modern defender, comfortable on the ball.
The majority of top sides work on retaining possession and building from the back, which is exactly how Dunzey has been molded in his career so far.
“I’m a ball-playing centre-half. I love tackling and winning headers and keeping clean sheets is very important to me,” he told Arsenal.com.
Dunzee already eyeing a first-team chance / Catherine Ivel – AMA/Getty Images
Dinzeyi has not joined Arsenal to settle down with football at Under-23 level and already has his eyes firmly set on getting a chance with the first team. He knows he has to prove himself at Under-23 level first but is hoping to be involved at the top level when it comes to cup games.
Right now, I just want to start as many games as possible with the Under-23s and hopefully get in some cup fixtures with the first team,” the player explained.
“Who knows what can happen next? It’s about proving myself with the Under-23s at the moment and taking any opportunity I get.
Dinzeyi can already see an established path to the first team over the past two years. Bukayo Saka is the best example of an academy prospect who has become a regular starter for the senior team, but Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Reece Nelson are also strong parts of the first-team squad.
Saka, Nikita, Vlak and Nelson were all in the squad when Arsenal won the FA Cup that month.
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