By Milcah Tanimu

English Premier League club Aston Villa is on the brink of signing Owen Asemota, a promising young goalkeeper of Nigerian descent who has been part of Arsenal’s youth system.

Reports from nine months ago indicated that Aston Villa, along with Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, were closely monitoring Asemota’s development. The 16-year-old was offered a scholarship deal by Arsenal but has opted for a new challenge with Aston Villa.

According to Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird, Aston Villa has emerged as the preferred destination for Asemota. The deal is currently undergoing the Premier League’s five-step investigation process before it is finalized. Arsenal is expected to receive £1 million in compensation for Asemota due to his extensive training at the club’s Hale End academy.

This move follows Aston Villa’s successful acquisition of another goalkeeper trained at Arsenal’s academy. In 2020, the club signed Emiliano Martínez, who has since achieved significant success, including winning the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, and receiving the Yashin Trophy and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award.

Asemota made his U18 Premier League debut against West Brom in April and played in two additional matches before the season concluded. He will aim to follow in the footsteps of Nigerian players Gabby Agbonlahor, Carney Chukwuemeka, Tim Iroegbunam, and Nathan Delfouneso, who all rose through the youth ranks to make their first-team debuts for Aston Villa.