How Arsenal played a part in JJ Gabriel's Manchester United exit demand

The 15-year-old has formally asked Man Utd to cancel his academy registration as he looks to leave the club for free, leading to elite clubs both in the Premier League and abroad to launch a charm offensive for one of English football’s brightest young stars.

Standard Sport understands that Man Utd remain hopeful of convincing him to stay, but face a tough task with the teenager’s family reportedly questioning whether Old Trafford currently offers the best environment for his development.

TEAMtalk claim that the rise of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta is understood to have contributed to doubts within Gabriel’s camp over his future at Man Utd.

Wonderkid: JJ Gabriel

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Arsenal won the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final, while Man Utd are with a league crown since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

TEAMtalk cite a source close to Gabriel’s family which underlined that United are currently “far away” from clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The family reportedly want Gabriel to learn from the best and believe he needs an environment capable of maximising his potential.

The emergence of Arsenal teenager Max Dowman has also provided an example of how quickly a young player can be introduced to senior football.

Dowman, 16, has already featured - and scored - for Arteta’s first team and has continued to make an impression despite his age. This week Dowman is expected to link up with England’s senior squad for training for the first time.

For Man Utd, Gabriel’s situation remains unresolved. The club are said to have rejected his request to cancel his registration and are still attempting to persuade him to reconsider.

The teenager’s options could widen when he turns 16 on October 6, particularly because he holds an Irish passport.