Arsenal snap up ‘exceptional’ 15-year-old whizz kid Jay Beckford from Leyton Orient

Arsene Wenger has further bolstered the future talent at his disposal by snapping up 15-year-old Jay Beckford from Leyton Orient.

Arsenal have paid out a compensation fee determined by the Elite Player Performance Programme (EPPP) to bring the striker to the Emirates, Orient confirmed on their official website on Friday.

Beckford, a striker who has been called up to England Under-15 squad in the past, caught the attention of the north London club through a number of sparkling performances for the O’s junior section.

‘He has been a credit to the club all the time he has been here,’ academy director Andy Edwards said.

‘We are disappointed to lose him. We wish him all the best at Arsenal.

‘We have got some exceptional players in our academy, of which Jay is one.’