Arsenal Youngster Rejects Extension, Eyes London Rival Move.

The development center for young players at Arsenal, known as Hale End, has cultivated exceptionally gifted players in recent times.

Bukayo Saka stands out as a prime example, currently regarded by many as one of the foremost players globally in his designated role, at the age of 24.

Emile Smith Rowe, a contemporary of Saka, consistently participates for Fulham in the Premier League, while Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Max Dowman are integrated into Mikel Arteta’s lineup as the season commences.

Arsenal youngster joins London rivals

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Image credit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Aspiring, skillful soccer players consistently pursue a straightforward route into top-tier professional play, a path Arsenal has successfully facilitated in recent times.

Occasionally, this pursuit leads players to explore opportunities elsewhere if a different club presents a more appealing prospect. Rio Ngumoha’s case exemplifies this scenario; the 17-year-old departed Chelsea to join Liverpool during the previous summer transfer window and was ultimately rewarded with a remarkable game-winning goal in the 100th minute against Newcastle during his Premier League debut.

Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Image credit: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Dan Casey aspires to replicate this success as he gears up to depart from Arsenal and join Crystal Palace.

Despite the accomplishments of numerous academy products in recent seasons, Casey holds the view that transitioning to another club presents a superior avenue for participating in senior-level matches; consequently, he declined a professional contract extension from Arsenal.

Bobby Manzi, a journalist covering Crystal Palace, indicates that both clubs have come to an understanding regarding the compensation package for the 18-year-old, with a medical evaluation planned ahead of his relocation within London.

Casey recorded 20 goals and provided two assists throughout 24 appearances for Arsenal’s Under-18 squad during the previous season, while also participating in three matches for the Under-21s.

A general view inside the stadium as fans of Crystal Palace displays banners in support of their side prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on December 12, 2021 in London, England.

A general view inside the stadium as fans of Crystal Palace displays banners in support of their side prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on December 12, 2021 in London, England. (Image credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace is scheduled to resume play at Selhurst Park against Sunderland before participating in a match against Millwall as part of the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal is set to return to Emirates Stadium to compete against Nottingham Forest before commencing their Champions League journey with a match against Athletic Club.

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