According to reports from Mirror Football, Premier League foursome Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all targeting League One prodigy Rico Henry.
The Walsall youngster may share a surname with a certain Arsenal legend but it’s another ex-Gunners star he’s earned comparisons with – former Arsenal, Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole.
Henry’s just 18 years of age but has already made 26 first team appearances for The Saddlers, following his senior debut in December 2014, and scored twice in September – including a winner against Scunthorpe – to claim the Football League’s Young Player of the Month award.
The teenager, who can operate at left-back, wing-back or left midfield, has become of increasing importance to a Walsall side boasting League One’s pole position on goal difference before this weekend’s round of fixtures, and his recent form has not gone unnoticed.
According to Mirror Football, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all tracking the Birmingham-born prospect’s progress.
Walsall boss Dean Smith has already tipped Henry to reach the very top of the beautiful game.
He said last month after Henry picked up his Football League award; “He was 16 when I threw him in against Leeds in a pre-season friendly. And he’s a quick learner. You give him a bit of information and he takes it on board.
“He fully deserves the award as he’s been excellent. If I were to liken him to anyone it would be a young Ashley Cole. And it’s up to him how far he can now go in the game.
“I’ve recommended him a couple of times to the England Under-19s because, if there’s a better left-sided player in the country at 18 years of age, I’d like to see them.
“If he keeps developing and keeps his feet firmly on the ground – his parents will make sure of that – then he’ll go the right way. He’s a pleasure to coach and to have around the place, not just as a footballer but as a person. He’s got a great personality, which will hold him in good stead.
“He’s got a good engine and pace, he can get up and down the pitch and he’s got two goals already this season, which is very good for a left-back.”
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