Arsenal set to lose under-21s star as club 'closing in' on immediate transfer

Arsenal could be set to lose one of their under-21s captains, with a deal reportedly close. The Gunners have had a healthy habit of producing top young talent in recent times, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly the latest to become stars at the Emirates Stadium after coming through the club’s youth ranks.

But not all youth players end up making an impact in the first team, and many of the players don’t wind up making it to the very top level. One player who could fall into that bracket is under-21s key man Zane Monlouis.

The centre-back has made 15 appearances for Arsenal’s under-21s side this season, previously captaining the team. But at 21 years of age, it may be time for the defender to move on if he wants to take serious steps into first team football.

The youngster, who was an England under-17s international, is yet to get an Arsenal first team appearance, and he only managed one league appearance for Reading during a loan spell with the Berkshire club in the second half of last season.

Now, according to Canadian Press reporter Neil Davidson, Monlouis is about to sign for MLS club Toronto FC. He wrote on X: “Source: Toronto FC closing in on signing Arsenal under-21 captain Zane Monlouis. The centre back has represented England at U15 and U17 level. Also eligible to play for Jamaica, he was called into camp with the Jamaican U23 side last March. #TFCLive”

The report follows prior reports that TFC were in advanced talks with Monlouis, to it seems a deal is close to being wrapped up. TFC missed out on the playoffs in the Eastern Conference last season, conceding 61 goals in 34 league games. Their head coach, Robin Fraser, will be hoping that Monlouis will help his side’s defensive efforts in the coming season, which gets underway this weekend. It’s unclear whether Monlouis will be signed on time to feature this weekend, but the transfer would be immediate, given the US transfer window is open.

When he does arrive, he will find former Newcastle United man Matty Longstaff, former Birmingham City defender Kevin Long and former Italy international Lorenzo Insigne, who all play for TFC.

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