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Wenger Has Eyes For American Wunderkind
Charles Renken may be only 14 years old, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed interest in signing the American teen-sensation.
Sep 17, 2008 5:33:03 PM
It appears that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has shown interest in
American teen phenom Charles Renken, according to unconfirmed reports.
The 14-year-old has apparently reciprocated the interest shown by the
English giants, being a fan of the Gunners.
Built out of the same mold as his idol, 19-year-old Freddy Adu, Renken has been dubbed the next big thing in American soccer. Adu, now with Ligue 1 side Monaco, was 14 when he turned pro and joined D.C United of MLS in 2004. Similarly small and quick, Renken is a potential game-changer and creative type.
Also like Adu, Renken was born in Africa, in Zambia, and moved to the United States as a boy. It is understood the the hype surrounding Renken is so intense that the player will forgo his chance of playing in the MLS for the hopes of signing with a European club, hopes that seems justified.
A deal for the youngster, who is currently part of the youth development academy at Bradenton, Florida, is apparently going to be completed within a year's time, with clubs from all over Europe, not just Arsenal, showning interest in his raw ability. He's already had trials with Reading and 1860 Munich.
Many speculate Renken will receive his first full cap for the US Men’s National team before he reaches the age of 17, a very impressive feat, to say the least. He is currently a member of the under-17 squad.
-- Goal.com
Built out of the same mold as his idol, 19-year-old Freddy Adu, Renken has been dubbed the next big thing in American soccer. Adu, now with Ligue 1 side Monaco, was 14 when he turned pro and joined D.C United of MLS in 2004. Similarly small and quick, Renken is a potential game-changer and creative type.
Also like Adu, Renken was born in Africa, in Zambia, and moved to the United States as a boy. It is understood the the hype surrounding Renken is so intense that the player will forgo his chance of playing in the MLS for the hopes of signing with a European club, hopes that seems justified.
A deal for the youngster, who is currently part of the youth development academy at Bradenton, Florida, is apparently going to be completed within a year's time, with clubs from all over Europe, not just Arsenal, showning interest in his raw ability. He's already had trials with Reading and 1860 Munich.
Many speculate Renken will receive his first full cap for the US Men’s National team before he reaches the age of 17, a very impressive feat, to say the least. He is currently a member of the under-17 squad.
-- Goal.com
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