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Arsenal starlet Samir Carruthers has snubbed the
opportunity to continue his development with the Emirates Stadium
outfit and joined Aston Villa instead.
The 16-year old, who had captained the Gunners' U16 side and
featured for Liam Brady’s U18 team last season, appeared set to
remain under Arsene Wenger's tutelage in North London.
However, the talented winger has since decided to snub a new
two-year contract offer with Arsenal to join the Villans, who came
close to pipping the Gunners to a Champions League spot in
2008/09.
And Villa academy director Bryan Jones has revealed that
Carruthers had the option to stay with Arsenal or join fellow
London side Fulham, but chose Villa due to the club’s current track
record under manager Martin O'Neill of giving young players the
opportunity to shine in the first team.
“He had a choice of one or two clubs, but has decided to join us
and that’s where we are at the moment." he told the Birmingham
Mail.
"I think what swung it for us was two things. Firstly, the
facilities which are a great pulling factor these days.
"And the family are also aware that young players are given a
chance by Martin if they are good enough.”