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Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are keen on signing 18-year-old wonderkid Daniel Rigge from West Ham United in the summer.
According to ESPN, the London rivals are set to battle it out for his services, as they look to get a top-quality young striker with great potential into their ranks.
The English wonderkid came up through the Manchester City Academy but was released in 2022. West Ham came calling and have rapidly developed him into a top-class talent.
Rigge has been in exceptional form for West Ham's Under-18 side, as they sit second on the Premier League U-18 table behind Chelsea. The attacking midfielder has 11 goals and six assists in 19 youth league games, adding another goal in his five appearances in the Premier League 2.
He signed his first professional contract last October with the Hammers. He will likely make his first-team debut soon if he continues his incredible run of form at the youth level.
Upon signing his contract in 2023, Rigge was overjoyed and proud, as he exclaimed (via the West Ham United official website):
“I am very proud. It is a huge moment for me and my family because it is every young player's dream to sign their first professional contract, especially at a club like West Ham United."
"It has given me a lot of confidence that the club believes in me and hopefully I can do well at West Ham in the future. I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I felt really welcomed when I arrived ahead of last season and I am delighted to continue my development here," he added.
Rigge still has two years remaining on his contract, which means that the London sides will have to engage in intense negotiations to make a move for the player.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta calls up 17-year-old wonderkid to training before North London derby
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has invited 17-year-old wonderkid Osman Kamara (Arsenal U-18) to first-team training before their Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (April 28).
The winger has enjoyed a brilliant 2023-24 campaign so far, bagging nine goals and two assists in just 13 appearances in the Premier League U-18. This has prompted Arteta to reward him with a chance to train with the senior squad before their pivotal, must-win North London derby.
U18 manager and former Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere has also lavished high praise on the English youngster. After an 8-1 win against West Ham U-18 on April 13, in which Kamara bagged a brace, Wilshere lauded his commendable performance, saying (via the Arsenal official website):
“I love Ozzy [Osman Kamara], and I’ve loved him ever since I’ve come into this job. He’s got the mentality that we talk about, and he’s improved so much. Today, we saw the real Osman [Kamara], the one who’s free and ready to get on the ball and take on his man.”
