Arsenal Signs Prolific Young Forward Mylo Bernard

Arsenal have secured one of the most prolific young forwards in the country, with Crystal Palace striker Mylo Bernard completing a move to the Gunners’ academy on a scholarship deal that already has professional terms locked in.

The 16-year-old joins as part of Arsenal’s 2026/27 scholarship intake, with the club confirming a pre-contract agreement for his first professional deal, which will activate when he turns 17.

Bernard arrives with serious numbers behind the hype. Arsenal’s announcement notes that he hit more than 40 goals for the Palace academy last season, including six strikes in the u18 Premier League while playing above his age group. That kind of output has made him one of the standout forwards of his age bracket.

His form has translated onto the international stage as well. Bernard is already an England youth international, scoring four goals and providing two assists in eight appearances for the England u16s, underlining his reputation as a penalty-box threat with end product.

He is not the only fresh face in what is becoming a major summer refresh for the Arsenal academy. Daniel McCarron (Dungannon Swifts), Elijah Upson (Tottenham Hotspur), Phoenix Blayney (Larne FC), Igor Tyjon (Blackburn Rovers), James Scanlon (Manchester United), Axel Donczew (Cardiff City), Habeeb Ogunneye (Manchester United), and Andria Bartishvili (Kolkheti 1913) have all either completed moves or agreed deals that will formally go through in 2027.

Arsenal are also closing in on another attacking addition, with the club expected to officially confirm the signing of Vincent Joseph from Liverpool. Like Bernard, Joseph’s deal with his previous club expired this summer, but his age means he cannot leave as a free agent.

That has pushed both transfers into the world of compensation fees. Arsenal have already agreed a payment with Crystal Palace to land Bernard. With Liverpool, no such agreement has been reached for Joseph, so that move is now heading for a tribunal.

For Bernard, though, the path is clear. A huge goal tally, England youth caps, and a long-term plan at one of Europe’s most ambitious academies — Arsenal have made their bet on a striker they believe can grow with the project.