Why Arsenal’s rise helped spark JJ Gabriel’s Man Utd exit demand
Old TraffordArsenal have inadvertently played a part in JJ Gabriel’s decision to ask for an exit from Manchester United. The 15-year-old striker has formally requested that United cancel his academy registration.
Gabriel wants to leave the club for free. This has led to elite clubs both in the Premier League and abroad launching a charm offensive for the young forward.
Doubts at Old Trafford
Manchester United remain hopeful of convincing the teenager to stay at Old Trafford. However, they face a tough task as his family question whether the club offers the best environment.
According to TEAMtalk, the rise of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta has contributed to doubts within Gabriel’s camp. The family want the youngster to learn from the best and reach his maximum potential.
People close to the family believe United have fallen a long way behind Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The player has also scrubbed his Instagram account of all images.
The Max Dowman comparison
Arsenal have provided a clear example of how quickly a young player can reach senior football. Teenager Max Dowman has already featured and scored for Mikel Arteta’s first team.
Speaking on Piers Morgan’s Sports Uncensored show, Jay Bothroyd compared Gabriel’s physical profile to other young talents. He noted that Gabriel has a more slight frame than players capable of immediately handling the physical demands of English football.
Bothroyd, on the panel with Simon Jordan and Andros Townsend, said:
At the end of the day, the parents just want what’s best for their son. And it’s not like they’re particularly saying, ‘I want him to play right now.’ It’s very much like, ‘We just want him to go in the best possible direction.’
Bothroyd also added:
Now, when you look at him, his body. We talk about [Florian] Wirtz and we say, ‘He’s lightweight, he’s not ready for the Premier League, he can’t play there.’
Interest from abroad
Gabriel could have made his first-team debut for United in an EFL Cup clash against Brighton. Michael Carrick was reportedly set to name him in the squad before the request was submitted.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation alongside domestic suitors. Chelsea are reportedly his preferred destination if he stays in England.
His options could widen when he turns 16 on October 6 because he holds an Irish passport. United have rejected his request to cancel his registration and are trying to persuade him to stay.
