Alex Pantling via Getty Images
Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Cardiff City’s youngest player, Axel Donchev.
Donchev, 16, became the youngest player ever to represent Cardiff’s first team when he was introduced as a second-half substitute against Newport County in the EFL Trophy on 25 October, aged 15 years and 234 days.
The teenager made his second and final appearance for Cardiff’s first team against Wimbledon in December that year.
Donchev, who has played as an attacking midfielder in addition to wide positions, has also represented Wales at all youth levels from under-15s to under-19s. He is also eligible to represent Poland.
Last night Axel Donchev, born 2010, became @CardiffCityFC’s youngest ever player, replacing Rob Tankiewicz, who himself broke the record just 64 minutes earlier! 👏🏆#EFL | #VertuTrophy | #RaisingintheEFL pic.twitter.com/qUcXz3m6Fy
— EFL Trophy (@EFLTrophy) October 8, 2025
Arsenal have previously been linked with teenage striker Jeremy Monga. However, the north London club felt the 17-year-old Leicester City player’s £10 million ($13.3 million) valuation was too high and he subsequently moved to Manchester City earlier this month.
16-year-old England international Michel Nduka from Arsenal refused a new contract with the club and, like Monga, also moved to City.
However, they managed to complete the signing of former defender Matthew Upson’s son Elijah following the 18-year-old’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur. The teenager will enter the club’s academy.
The Premier League champions also announced on Thursday the €40 million ($45.8 million, £34 million) transfer of Christos Tzolis to the first team.
July 26, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Find a pattern. Connect the terms
Find hidden connections between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle