Arsenal's Nigeria-eligible teenage central defender Zach Awe signs for Southampton

ARSENAL's Nigeria-eligible teenage central defender Zach Awe has agreed terms with English Championship side Southampton after he was released by the north London side at the end of last month.

Awe, 19, was a Hale End Academy product who was released after he opted not to sign a contract extension with Arsenal. Southampton have subsequently won the race to sign him, beating a plethora of clubs to his signature, in the hope that he will help them in their request to regain promotion to the English Premier League.

Following his joining the Saints, Awe is now expected to compete for a first-team place in the centreback position under manager Russell Martin this forthcoming season.  Although Awe left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent, Arsenal will be due compensation because he was offered a new contract and is under the age of 24.

 Apparently, the teenager decided to move on to new pastures as his first team opportunities were non-existent under manager Mikel Arteta despite him training with the senior squad on several occasions. Awe received just one call-up for a first team game during his time at the Emirates Stadium and it came against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 10, 2022 when he was a non-playing substitute.

Initially signed by Arsenal as a right fullback, the physical player was later shifted across into central defence. Having joined the Saints, Awe is set to link up with Nigeria internationals Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo, plus former Chelsea right-back Derrick Abu at Southampton.