Arsenal Signs Prolific Young Forward Mylo Bernard

Arsenal have landed 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 locked in.

The 16-year-old joins as part of the club’s 2026/27 scholarship intake, with a pre-contract agreement in place that will convert into a professional contract the moment he turns 17.

A ruthless finisher arrives

Arsenal’s announcement underlined exactly why they moved so decisively. Bernard hit more than 40 goals for the Palace academy last season, a remarkable haul at any level. Six of those came while he was playing above his age group in the U18 Premier League, a clear sign he had outgrown his surroundings in south London.

His form has translated onto the international stage as well. For England U16s, Bernard has scored four times and provided two assists in eight appearances, underlining his status as one of the standout forwards in his age bracket.

Arsenal have not just picked up a promising finisher. They’ve taken a key attacking talent from a fellow Premier League club’s pipeline.

A wider academy reshuffle

Bernard’s arrival is part of a broader, aggressive rebuild of the Arsenal academy 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 be formalised in 2027.

It is a clear pattern. Arsenal are stockpiling high-upside talent from across England and beyond, refreshing the conveyor belt that has already produced the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Compensation and the Liverpool wrinkle

Deals at this age are rarely straightforward, and Bernard’s move is no exception. Because of his age, he could not leave Crystal Palace as a free agent. Arsenal had to agree a compensation package with Palace to get the transfer over the line.

They now face a similar situation with another target.

The club are believed to be closing in on the signing of Vincent Joseph from Liverpool. Like Bernard, Joseph saw his contract with his previous club expire this summer, but the rules prevent him from simply walking away. Arsenal and Liverpool have so far failed to settle on a compensation figure, and that dispute is now expected to go to a tribunal.

Bernard is already in the door. Joseph may yet follow. If both deals land, Arsenal’s academy attack for the next few years could look very different – and very dangerous.