Arsenal have announced the signing of teenage forward Mylo Bernard from Crystal Palace, with the player set to join the club as part of their first-year scholarship intake for the 2026/27 season. Bernard has also signed a pre-contract agreement that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17, according to Arsenal.com.

Key Details of the Signing

The 16-year-old striker arrives at Arsenal following a prolific period in Crystal Palace’s academy. During the 2025/26 season, Bernard netted more than 40 goals within the academy. He also demonstrated his ability at a higher level, scoring six times in the Under-18 Premier League, stepping up above his usual age category.

Bernard’s talents have also been recognised internationally, as he has been called up by England Under-16s, for whom he has scored four goals in just eight appearances. While primarily a centre-forward, he is also capable of playing on the wing or in a deeper No.10 role, a versatility noted by Football London as a factor in Arsenal’s interest.

Bernard’s Farewell to Crystal Palace

Following his departure from Crystal Palace after eight years, Bernard released a heartfelt statement on Instagram confirming his move, as reported by LiveScore. He stated: "After 8 unforgettable years at Crystal Palace, I have decided to say goodbye. I have grown up playing for Crystal Palace and it has provided so many wonderful moments in blue and red. Crystal Palace has shaped me as a person and a player becoming a crucial part of my life."

He continued: "It has always been a pleasure playing at the club over the last few years and this part of my journey will always have a place with me. Thank you to all my coaches and teammates that have pushed me to become a better player and have helped me in my journey at the club. I will forever be grateful for the past 8 years I’ve had with this club."

Arsenal’s Academy Intake and Youth Philosophy

Bernard’s signing is part of a busy period for Arsenal’s academy intake this summer. Other notable arrivals include Elijah Upson, son of former Gunners defender Matthew, from Tottenham; Axel Donczew from Cardiff; and Igor Tyjon from Blackburn. Additionally, Georgian teenager Andria Bartishvili has signed a five-year contract for 2027, aligning with rules precluding international transfers until he turns 18.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has shown a clear commitment to integrating young players into the first team in recent years, with successful examples such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bukayo Saka emerging from the Hale End academy. This philosophy continues to be evident, with Marcell Washington, Marli Salmon, and Max Dowman all involved in first-team training sessions recently.

Nineteen-year-old left-back Marcell Washington made 25 appearances for the Under-21s last season, scoring twice and providing one assist. Marli Salmon, 17, has already made four first-team appearances, including his debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Club Brugge last December and three appearances in the FA Cup last season. Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman had a remarkable breakthrough season in 2025/26, featuring 13 times, scoring once, and earning a Premier League winners’ medal for his contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Mylo Bernard?

  Mylo Bernard is a teenage forward who has joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace’s academy. He is known for his prolific goal-scoring.

• What are the terms of Mylo Bernard’s deal with Arsenal?

  He will join Arsenal as part of their first-year scholarship intake for the 2026/27 season and has a pre-contract agreement to sign professional terms when he turns 17.

• What is Mylo Bernard’s playing record?

  In the 2025/26 season, he scored more than 40 goals in Crystal Palace’s academy and six goals in the Under-18 Premier League. He has also scored four times in eight games for England Under-16s.

• What position does Mylo Bernard play?

  Bernard’s main position is centre-forward, but he can also be used on the wing or in a deeper No.10 role.