Arsenal Defender Set to Join Southampton with Compensation Agreement
Zach Awe has consented to join Southampton, with Arsenal receiving a compensation payment due to his age.
According to Mike McGrath, Southampton have reached an agreement to sign Zach Awe, who was released by Arsenal in the summer.
Even though Awe was technically a free agent, Southampton had to pay Arsenal a compensation fee because the defender is under the age of 23.
According to reports, Southampton fought off stiff competition to sign Awe, and he is now anticipated to compete for a starting position at center-back under Russell Martin this season.
McGrath reported in June that Awe would leave Arsenal this summer in pursuit of regular first-team action.
In 2022/23, Awe made 35 appearances for the Arsenal u21s, almost all of which were as a starter, making him one of the busiest players in the entire squad.
The teenager was also a part of the Arsenal first-team squad in the past, appearing on the substitute for a Premier League match against Wolves the previous season.
At approximately 6 feet tall, Awe stands out physically in junior football. Despite his stature and position, he possesses excellent technique that frequently draws the eye.
Zach Awe’s first professional contract with Arsenal.
In 2022/23, Arsenal’s u21 defense conceded goals too readily, and while it would be unfair to point the finger at a single player for those defensive issues, each of them should share the blame for the seven months they went without a clean sheet in the league.
This was the only clean sheet Mehmet Ali’s side preserved all season in the Premier League 2; it was against Spurs (who were ultimately relegated) on the road in October.
However, Awe could undoubtedly add quality to a team where he was a better fit, and the transition to senior football should not be as difficult for him as it is for others.
Given Awe’s technical proficiency, Southampton could be that club.
Arsenal Defender Set to Join Southampton with Compensation Agreement
