Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Marcell Washington this July after a successful trial period at the club. Coming from the Chelsea academy, the move is seen as quite the coup by the club, with the left-back having impressed during several performances with the team.
Some excellent touches, driving runs, and he showed off what is clearly an attacking style for a full-back, furthered by his ability to play in forward positions. This does not detract from his defensive ability too which also stood out.
Arsenal are set to have a busy summer transfer window, and with some senior players on the left of the defence expected to leave, there are potentially pathways which could open. Eighteen-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has made the role his own this season, but with Kieran Tierney leaving and both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior linked with summer moves, it could open the door to some opportunities.
Josh Nichols, a young right-back, made appearances at right-back with the senior team this season in the cup, and there is a chance Washington could get the same chance next season. Although there are suggestions that a summer addition could yet be made, which would again change the dynamic with Riccardo Calafiori also an option at left-back when he is fit.
The teenager is already 17, and thus eligible for professional terms as soon as Chelsea release him.
Washington only joined Chelsea late in his academy development process, having been playing in grassroots football until towards the end of his schoolboy years.
The defender struggled for games due to injury in 2023/24, and he wasn’t picked consistently in 2024/25 either. That opened up the door for Arsenal to swoop.