Ex-Arsenal Youngster Joins Academy - Ipswich Town News

Former Arsenal schoolboy James Blanchfield has joined Town’s academy as a first-year scholar.

The highly-rated central midfielder spent time on trial at Manchester United earlier in the year following his Gunners exit, but an injury ended his spell at Old Trafford prematurely.

Essex-based Blanchfield, 16, has been training with the Blues since the start of pre-season and featured in Friday’s friendly at Southwold.

Academy head of recruitment Steve McGavin told TWTD: "James obviously has a very good pedigree coming from Arsenal and is a very good footballer.

"He’s made a good impression since he’s been with us and we’re looking forward to working with him in the future.”

Town’s U18s continue their pre-season programme with a friendly away against West Brom on Wednesday.

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