Mikel Arteta already told EFL club what to expect from 'impressive' ex Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already told League One outfit Crawley Town just how good new signing Tyreece John-Jules can be in quotes given when the 23-year-old was first emerging as a prospect.

The striker is a product of the Gunners youth academy but was released this summer after 15 years working his way through the ranks at the club. John-Jules had been without a new challenge but put pen to paper on a deal with Crawley Town over the weekend, ending his time as a free agent.

Crawley Town sign ex Arsenal striker

The Red Devils play in the third tier of football, having achieved promotion from League Two last season via the play-offs. It's been a tricky start to League One for Rob Elliot's side, who sit 22nd in the table, three points off bottom placed Burton Albion.

Crawley Town confirmed the signing over the weekend and said the club was 'delighted' to welcome the player. John-Jules may be a name vaguely familiar with fans thanks to loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town and Derby County in recent seasons.

John-Jules never made a first time appearance for Arsenal, but turned the head of Arteta when on the verge of a breakthrough in 2020. The Spaniard said: “I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen of him in training. I really like him. For the last minutes the other day [against Leeds] he was a perfect fit. We ended up making a different decision, but I considered it.

“I asked him to be on the bench for that day because I really believe that he can have an impact on the pitch.

“He needs to go and prove himself now. He needs to challenge himself, he’s probably in a very comfortable environment here but he needs to get exposed. After that, we will see where he is.

Mikel Arteta - ‘He can do everything’

“He can do everything, he links really well on the ball every time he’s out of the number nine position. He’s got a really good ability to do that. He reads situations earlier than others and he’s a good finisher as well. Physically he’s developed in a really good shape, so I think he’s a very complete player.”

John-Jules didn't feature in the Crawley Town squad that was defeated 4-1 by Reading at the Select Car Leasing at the weekend. Elliot's side are in midweek action against Lincoln Town next before a trip to Northampton Town on Saturday.