Arsenal raid Chelsea again for son of Champions League winner
Arsenal are making a habit of shopping at Chelsea.
But before they confirm a deal for Noni Madueke they have added another ex-Blue to their ranks.
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This time it’s Marcell Washington, a 17-year-old left-back, who is swapping west London for north London.
He spent time with the Gunners on trial last season and has done enough to earn himself a professional deal.
And Washington is hoping he can learn from his father, former Chelsea Champions League winner Ryan Bertrand, as he looks to kick-start his career.
He told Arsenal’s official website: “I think it’s been such an honour to have him take me through clips and walk me through games that I’ve played.
“He’s really passionate about making me a better player and probably a better version of him. We might have a bit of an argument about it but you get it out of him.”
Washington is keen to prove himself with the Gunners and isn’t resting on his laurels after signing his deal with the club.
He said: “My ambitions are just to prove in every game you play and every training session you have. I think football is all about proving. I feel like just because I’ve signed this contract doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ve made it.
“I think I’ve got a lot to prove and I’m looking forward to doing that. Hopefully, obviously, the coaching staff can see that through my game.
“It’s a very welcoming club. From day one when I came here, I felt really welcomed. That goes from the staff to the players.
“I think it’s a really big club, obviously. The club are always striving to win trophies. I’m just looking to be an addition to that and see what I can offer the club.”
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Washington has Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of him in the pecking order at left-back, as well as Dutch international Jurrien Timber.
And he’s looking to learn as much as possible as he takes his chances at London Colney.
He added: “They’re all great players that play in and around my position, which I think is a really good thing and training with them and getting the opportunities is really good as well.
“Because you obviously want to learn from players with such experience and such high skill with all of the games.”
Washington has been handed the No.55 shirt upon signing his contract.
The Gunners will hope to confirm the signing of Madueke soon too.
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Arsenal and Chelsea have reached an agreement on a £52million transfer.
And that will see the England international pen a five-year deal at the Emirates.
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