Polish midfielder Krystian Bielik signs for Arsenal

Arsenal, odds-on at 4/9 with Coral for a top four finish this season, have announced the signing of 17-year-old Polish midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw in a deal reported to be in the region of £2m.

The Gunners are believed to have failed with an initial £1.6m bid earlier this month, though an improved offer is said to have been enough to secure the move.

Speaking to Legia Warsaw’s official club website, prior to leaving to have a medical at Arsenal, Bielik said: “I am going to London to fulfil my dreams. I hope I will become an Arsenal player soon.”

Warsaw’s manager, former Manchester United defender Henning Berg, has said that the player “does not have any weaknesses”.

Berg added: “He’s a physical player with good skills. He has very good understanding of the game and match mentality. Krystian is quite far ahead of other players at his age.”

Bielik will no doubt be used gradually by Arsene Wenger and eased into the first team, though at over six foot tall, he certainly fits the mould of the type of defensive midfielder that the Frenchman likes and has already represented his country at youth level, scoring three goals in as many matches at Under-17 level. He has also had five appearances for his club domestically, and has featured in the Europa League once.

Arsenal said on their official website: “Arsenal have completed the signing of 17-year-old midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw for an undisclosed fee.

“Bielik made his senior debut for the Polish club in August aged 16. He went on to feature five times for Legia in the league and once in the Europa League.

“The versatile Poland youth international can play in both holding midfield and at centre back. The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”