Arsenal sign 16-year-old Welsh winger Axel Donczew from Cardiff City

Published Jul 27, 06:08 PM UTC

Arsenal have signed 16-year-old Welsh winger Axel Donczew from Cardiff City as part of their 'plan for the present and the future' policy. Donczew made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy on October 7, 2025, at just 15 years and 234 days old. The right-footed left winger is regarded as one of the brightest emerging talents. Arsenal currently only need to pay a compensation fee, which could be determined by a tribunal, potentially ranging from £12,000 to £40,000, though similar cases like Liverpool's signing of Elliot Harvey involved fees up to £4.3 million. Donczew is described as strong, determined, and progressive with an eye for goal, cutting in from the flank and providing defence-splitting passes. The move has sparked debate about academy player poaching, with Cardiff fans expressing frustration. The last player to move from Cardiff to Arsenal was Aaron Ramsey in 2008.