Arsenal pursue SHOCK move for Championship wonderkid

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a surprise move for ex-Manchester City academy star Shea Charles.

The Southampton midfielder is currently on loan at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday and his form in the second tier of English football has caught the attention of Mikel Arteta’s side.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that Charles has emerged as a legitimate transfer target for Arsenal in recent weeks.

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The 21-year-old has reportedly impressed Arsenal scouts with his leadership skills and composure in possession, with Charles starting every Championship game since his loan move to Hillsborough in August.

Charles, who joined Man City’s academy at the age of seven, signed for Southampton last summer, but after a promising start to life at St Mary’s, he only started five of their final 25 league games of the campaign.

However, he has found his feet at Sheffield Wednesday this season and the Northern Ireland international is now being monitored by Arsenal as the Gunners look to bolster their midfield crop amid the uncertain futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

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Shea Charles makes Northern Ireland history

Interest from Arsenal comes after Charles became Northern Ireland’s youngest ever captain when he wore the armband against Belarus during the November international break.

After the match, he told the Belfast Telegraph: “I can’t really explain it. Walking the team out to that sort of atmosphere was surreal, really.

“To have my brother right behind me was really special. All of those boys have been together for a while now. The relationship is building and building.

“l know Mum will be really proud of that. She was in the crowd with some of my family.

“Being captain I just tried to play my natural game. Obviously, there’s a bit more responsibility but we’ve got loads of captains on the pitch.”