Arsenal Sign Prolific Young Forward Mylo Bernard
Arsenal have moved to secure one of the most prolific young forwards in the country, confirming the signing of Crystal Palace striker Mylo Bernard on a scholarship deal with professional terms already agreed.
The 16-year-old joins as part of the club’s 2026/27 scholarship intake, with a pre-contract in place for his first professional deal, which will kick in when he turns 17.
A ruthless finisher arrives
Arsenal’s announcement underlined why they were so keen to move early. Bernard hit more than 40 goals for the Palace academy last season, a staggering return that included six strikes while playing above his age group in the U18 Premier League.
He has already carried that form onto the international stage. For England U16s, Bernard has registered four goals and two assists in eight appearances, numbers that have quickly marked him out as one of the standout forwards in his age bracket.
The Gunners have paid compensation to Crystal Palace to complete the move, with Bernard unable to leave as a free agent due to his age.
Part of a wider academy overhaul
Bernard is one of several fresh faces arriving in north London as Arsenal reshape their youth ranks this summer.
- Daniel McCarron (Dungannon Swifts)
- Elijah Upson (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Phoenix Blayney (Larne FC)
- Igor Tyjon (Blackburn Rovers)
- James Scanlon (Manchester United)
- Axel Donczew (Cardiff City)
- Habeeb Ogunneye (Manchester United)
- Andria Bartishvili (Kolkheti 1913)
have all either completed moves or signed agreements that will see them join formally in 2027.
It is a clear statement of intent. Arsenal are stockpiling high-potential talent, particularly in attacking and defensive areas, to feed the pathway from academy to first team that has already produced the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Tribunal looms over next target
Arsenal are also closing in on the capture of another teenage forward, Vincent Joseph from Liverpool.
Like Bernard, Joseph’s contract with his previous club expired this summer, but his age prevents him from moving as a free agent. Arsenal must agree a compensation package with Liverpool. Talks have not produced a deal so far, and the case is now heading for a tribunal.
For Bernard, though, the route is clear. He arrives at a club that has made a habit of trusting its youngsters. The numbers he posted at Palace demand attention; what he does next in red and white will show whether Arsenal have landed their next academy star.
