Arsenal Signs Prolific Young Forward Mylo Bernard
Arsenal have secured one of the most prolific young forwards in the country, with Crystal Palace striker Mylo Bernard completing his move to the club’s academy on a scholarship deal that already has professional terms locked in.
The 16-year-old joins as part of Arsenal’s 2026/27 scholarship intake, with the club confirming that a pre-contract agreement is in place for a professional contract that will activate when he turns 17.
A ruthless finisher at youth level
Bernard arrives with serious numbers behind the hype. Arsenal’s announcement notes that he scored more than 40 goals for the Palace academy last season, a haul that included six strikes in the u18 Premier League while playing above his age group.
Those figures have not gone unnoticed at international level. Bernard is already an England youth international and has four goals and two assists from eight appearances for the England u16s, underlining his reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in his age bracket.
A busy summer for the Arsenal academy
Bernard is far from the only new face in north London. His arrival continues an aggressive academy recruitment drive by Arsenal, who have moved decisively in the market for emerging talent.
- 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 transfers to the club or agreed deals that will be finalised in 2027.
It is a clear pattern: Arsenal are stockpiling high-upside prospects from across the UK and beyond, reshaping the next generation in one summer.
Compensation and the next battle: Vincent Joseph
Bernard’s switch from Palace did not come for free. With the forward still under academy terms, Arsenal had to agree a compensation package with Palace to get the move over the line.
They now face a similar situation with another targeted youngster. Arsenal are believed to be closing in on the signing of Vincent Joseph from Liverpool, whose contract at Anfield expired this summer. Like Bernard, Joseph cannot move as a free agent because of his age, which means a compensation fee is required.
This time, negotiations have hit a wall. No agreement has been reached with Liverpool, and the case is set to be decided by a tribunal.
Arsenal have made their play: a prolific England youth striker in Bernard secured, a raft of new prospects already through the door, and another high-profile academy battle looming. The question now is simple – how many of these teenagers will turn today’s promise into tomorrow’s first-team reality?
