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Arsenal have made their first January signing, although it is not the big name star some of their fans have been expecting.
Instead, it is a 16 year old, who has been playing for the West Bromwich Albion youth set-up.
Part Brazilian but having already represented England at under 15 and under-16 level, Lino Da Cruz Sousa has been earmarked as one for the future, having played an entire season two years above his age group with West Brom’ under -18 side.
A left-back he has been described as very athletic ,somebody who reads the game well, and has a fine left foot.
He also has the ability to play higher up the pitch inn midfield, and has close control, and dribbling ability.
Sousa had attracted the attention of a number of top clubs, but Arsenal have beaten off the competition to land him.
He will now go into the academy programme at Arsenal under Per Mertesacker, and is not ready to challenge for a first-team place just yet.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.