Arsenal have announced that a deal has been agreed to sign former Chelsea youth team player Zech Medley, according to reports in theMetro.
The 16-year-old left Stamford Bridge in October after the Blues surprisingly released him following eight years of service.
Arsenal have completed the signing of highly-rated defender Zech Medley from Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/6XeDAVe1Oc
Having become a free agent, Medley was quickly offered trials at the Emirates and having impressed the club's youth coaches, the defender has now signed a contract with the Gunners and will join the U18 team.
The tall centre back has represented England at youth level and becomes the twelfthscholar to sign on at the Emirates this season.
Arsenal will now be hoping that Medley can repay the faith they have shown him and break into the first team in the coming years.
Manager Arsene Wenger is well known for his trust in young players and the Frenchman would likely welcome Medley in the main squad, if he can prove his value whilst playing with the youth setup.
The Gunners' U18 team are currently enjoying a fine start to their season as they sit top of the Premier Academy League South Group, a point ahead of second placed West Ham.
U18 Premier League | Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea | 03.12.2016 https://t.co/Nb7mJNEQrU @YouTube aracılığıyla
Medley will certainly have to be at his best if he is to get some game time though, as Arsenal have the joint best defence in the U18 league, having only conceded eight goals all season.