Arsenal handed chance to sign Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel after shock exit request
Arsenal could reportedly have an opportunity to land Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel for free after the highly-rated 15-year-old asked to leave the club.
Gabriel has reportedly stunned United by refusing to train with the first team ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Brighton. The youngster had been expected to be involved with the senior squad but instead submitted a formal request to have his registration cancelled.
Manchester United believe the situation can still be resolved and reportedly insist that cancelling his registration is not currently possible.
Despite that, several major clubs are expected to show interest in Gabriel should he become available. Chelsea are unable to make a move after receiving a nine-month ban on registering academy players, which began in March.
Arsenal, however, remain free to pursue the teenager and could prove an attractive destination. Mikel Arteta has consistently given opportunities to young players, while the club’s recent success has strengthened its appeal to emerging talents.
The Gunners already have exciting prospects such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman breaking through, while Arsenal recently confirmed that Georgian youngster Andria Bartishvili will join the club in 2027.
Gabriel is now reportedly on the radar of several European giants, including Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid. However, because of his age, he cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Gabriel has attempted to leave Manchester United. Back in 2025, when he was just 14, intervention from United’s director of football Jason Wilcox was reportedly required to convince him to stay.
With his future at Old Trafford now uncertain, Arsenal could be one of the clubs ready to make a move if the highly-rated teenager becomes available.
