Exclusive: Arsenal 'tried everything' to sign West Ham wonderkid

Exclusive: Arsenal 'tried everything' to sign West Ham wonderkid Club Brugge beat and several other European giants to the signing of Emmanuel Fejokwu, sources understands. The 16-year-old has officially joined Club Brugge following his exit from and he has immediately linked up with Club NXT - the Belgian side’s reserve team - ahead of next season. We have been told that Arsenal, Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona all “tried everything” to sign Fejokwu this summer, but he opted to complete a move to Club Brugge instead and he has now been formally announced as the club’s latest signing. Fejokwu, a central defender, has played for both England and Netherlands at U15 and U16 level, while he is also eligible to represent Nigeria. He made 11 appearances in the U18 Premier League for West Ham last season, scoring once, and he has officially signed a three-year contract at Club Brugge, valid until 2029. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club NXT (@clubnxt) “After 9 wonderful years at West Ham, it’s time to say goodbye,” Fejokwu posted on Instagram ahead of his move to Club Brugge. “From starting out at U9 all the way through to U16, this club has been such a huge part of my life, shaping me not just as a footballer, but as a person too. I’ve shared so many moments, the highs, the lows, the wins, the lessons, and everything in between, both on the pitch and off it. “A massive thank you to every teammate I’ve played alongside the memories we’ve made will stay with me forever. To all the coaches and staff, thank you for everything, I wish the club all the best success in the future.” Arsenal miss out on another youngster Fejokwu is the latest teenager that Arsenal have missed out on after seeing their bid to sign Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga hijacked by Manchester City. The Gunners had reached a full agreement on personal terms with the England U19 international, but they were unable to finalise a transfer fee with Leicester, and Man City swooped with an initial bid worth just shy of €12 million. New City boss Enzo Maresca was aware of Monga from his time as Leicester manager and he is set to be unveiled as the club’s latest signing shortly. However, sources understands that Arsenal are currently working on deals for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.