According to the latest reports, Arsenal are interested in Middlesbrough youth academy graduate Harrison James Chapman. The Gunners are said to be impressed with the level of performances the youngster put in last year in the UEFA Youth League along with his contributions at Barnsley last season where he helped the League One outfit gain promotion via the play-offs.
Chapman joined the Boro academy at the age of 7 and completed his academy education at 17 after 10 years. After signing his first professional contract with the Riverside club in January 2015, the midfielder came on to the limelight by virtue of his performances in the 2015/16 UEFA Youth League competition. Representing Middlesbrough in the competition, the skilful winger proved too hot to handle for the opponents providing eight assists and scoring three goals in the six games he played. Arsenal scouts who watched him during the competition were impressed with the 18-year old.
Chapman is highly rated in the Middlesbrough academy ranks and Boro have sent him out on loan twice now to help him get as much game time as possible. After a wonderfully successful stint at Barnsley where he made 14 appearances scoring 1 goal and tasting success as the Super Reds gained promotion from Football League One to the Championship via the play-offs. Barnsley also won the Football League Trophy/EFL Trophy beating Oxford United at Wembley.
At the start of this season, Chapman was sent on loan once again this time to Sheffield United. In his second stint at League One, the winger hasn’t yet started a game under the Blades boss Chris Wilder but has stepped on to the pitch 5 times as a substitute, scoring one goal in the process. With his talent, it won’t be long before the 18-year old gets the nod to start a game but at the moment it’s good to see him having some much-needed game time.
Arsenal have monitored the player for some time now and believe that he has the attributes needed to develop into an important player in the squad in the future. Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen his youth ranks and stack up talents who will give the club a provision of nurturing talents from early on, without having to pay huge transfer fees.
Chapman, who has also represented England at U-18 and now in the U-20 squad, looks like a player who has a good chance of making a mark in the future. With the January transfer window on the horizon, it remains to be seen if the Gunners make a move for him or not.
