Arsenal agree Axel Donczew deal with Cardiff City after moving quickly to secure the highly rated 16-year-old.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the midfielder has completed his medical and should sign for the Gunners this week.
Romano issued his trademark “here we go” on Sunday morning after Arsenal finalised the agreement with Cardiff.
“Arsenal agree deal to sign 16-year-old talent Axel Donczew from Cardiff City,” Romano reported on X. He added that Donczew had already completed his medical ahead of the move.
Donczew progressed through Cardiff’s academy before making his senior debut against Newport County in October 2025. He entered the EFL Trophy match aged 15 years and 234 days, becoming the youngest first-team player in the club’s history.
Arsenal agree Axel Donczew deal as academy recruitment continues
The teenager primarily operates in midfield and has represented Wales across several youth levels. He also shared Cardiff’s Academy Player of the Season award following his breakthrough campaign.
Arsenal have continued targeting leading British academy prospects during the summer window. Donczew will join a development system which already includes Max Dowman, Marli Salmon and several other highly rated youngsters.
The Gunners recently agreed to sign Elijah Upson after the defender rejected a professional contract with Tottenham. As Read Arsenal previously reported, Upson chose Arsenal after attracting interest from several leading European clubs.
Arsenal agree Axel Donczew deal with a long-term view rather than an immediate first-team role. The midfielder will initially continue his development within the club’s academy setup.
However, Mikel Arteta has already provided senior opportunities to Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Their progress offers Donczew a clear pathway if he impresses after completing his move from Cardiff.
An official announcement should follow once Arsenal complete the final paperwork this week.
