Arsenal will be welcoming American youngster Cole Bassett to London Colney this week.
The Colorado Rapids midfielder is flying across the Atlantic to join up with Arsenal's U23 side to gain experience by training with the Gunners at the end of the American League's season.
The 18-year-old has been training post season in Denver in recent weeks, but is now linking up with the Gunners, with the Colorado Rapids confirming the training stint in England on their official club website.
So, who is Cole Bassett? And is there a chance that he could stay at the club long term?
We take a look, below.
Who is Cole Bassett?
Bassett is an 18-year-old midfielder who currently plays for MLS side Colorado Rapids.
He was born in Littleton in Colorado and came up through the youth ranks of the club, making his debut in September 2018, coming on as a second half substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Portland Timbers.
The central midfielder has gone onto play a further 26 times for the Rapids, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
He also made one appearance in the second tier American football, playing the full 90 minutes for Colorado Swings Switchback FC against Fresno.
How has he performed recently?
The 2018/19 season was a breakthrough one for Bassett.
The teenager made 22 appearances in all competitions for his club, scoring two goals and providing one assist, although he wasn't always a regular starter for the team.
He scored his side's opening goal in a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy in September.
What has the player said?
With the news that the midfielder is travelling over to England to train at London Colony, Bassett has already spoken of his excitement at the experience.
“As most people already know, this is my favorite club,” he told the Denver Post. “I don’t know which team it will be because it’s an international break for them. Hopefully, there will be a couple of guys missing with the first team and I can get with them. But I’m just excited to get over there and show up basically.”
“When Arsenal came over here and played us, you could see there are little things that they do that I just don’t quite have yet.
“I’m eager to learn from them. Picking up things from every player will help improve my game. It’s going to be a great learning experience.”
Will there be a chance of a permanent switch?
The move by Colorado is an attempt to create stronger links between themselves and Arsenal, but they may not have a permanent transfer in mind.
Bassett has already been the subject of European interest, all of which have been knocked back by the MLS club.
The player was one of two players who trained with Bundesliga club Freiburg last year, an offer was subsequently made for the pair, but the midfielder stayed in America.
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