Arsenal FC eyeing Palace wonderkid?

Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace youngster Jonathan Williams.

Arsene Wenger, who has earned a great reputation for nurturing young talent, is said to be an admirer of the young Welshman and had reportedly sent scouts to monitor Williams’ progress last season where the winger flourished in the Championship.

Having nurtured the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere into top class players, Wenger is said to be looking to unearth another gem in Jonathan Williams.

Wenger will have to work hard to secure the signature of Williams though as he is very highly regarded by Palace and with the player having signed a new five-year contract only last year, Arsenal will have to put up a sizable offer to tempt the Palace hierarchy to part with the player.

There have also been reports that Palace manager Tony Pulis is contemplating offer a new deal for the young player which includes a buy-out clause in order to avoid losing their prized asset for cheap.

Williams made his way through the ranks at Selhurst Park and made his senior appearance for the Eagles as a teenager a few seasons ago. The 20-year old played a big part in Palace’s promotion to the Premier League last year and was expected to do well in the English top flight.

However, an ankle injury has meant that the youngster has featured sparingly, making only 6 appearances, all from the bench. With Williams having returned to full fitness, the young man looks set to feature more prominently over the coming weeks as Palace’s bid to avoid relegation gathers momentum.

The diminutive youngster has made over 50 appearances for Palace already and was called up to the Wales National Team this year by manager Chris Coleman.