In the last few hours on Twitter, former Charlton academy graduate, Semi Ajayi has announced he has joined Arsenal. Here at SheWore, we spoke to another former Charlton academy graduate on what to expect.
We have been told to expect big things from the big man. At 6 foot 4, being good in the air is a given, and that was the first thing we have been told. He is very good in the air. ‘Massive’ was the exact quote.
Anyone who watched our youths in pre-season, especially against Leyton Orient, would have marked our defence down as the weak link. Young Isaac Hayden performed OK, but Daniel Boateng looked out of his depth against the League One side. Whilst Hayden, at 18 has time on his hands, the signing of Ajayi will probably see the phasing out of Boateng.
Arsenal were especially exposed at corners and in the air against Leyton Orient. Ajayi should solve that problem. His height does not mean he is a bean pole. We have been informed that he has the strength to go with it, and at 19, he will only get stronger.
Picture: @ArsenalKieran – http://www.flickr.com/photos/goonerpower
Most surprisingly about the Crayford born Nigerian is his ability on the ball. The first thing we were told about him was that he is ‘very comfortable’. It is very early to make comparisons before we have seen him, but with his height, strength and ability on the ball, he has the potential to eclipse what Sol Campbell did for the club.
A player who also makes very few errors, it is hard not to get too excited about the youngster. With what we have been told about him, he could have a huge future if he applies himself. It would not be too much of a surprise to see him make his Arsenal 1st team debut as early as the 3rd round League Cup tie against WBA.
On a negative note, most people remember the fanfare of Kyle Bartley signing from Bolton. Big things were expected of him, but he was sold to Swansea last season, where he made 1 league appearance before being loaned to Birmingham City this season.
Will Semi Ajayi be the next Sol Campbell? Or will he go the same way as Kyle Bartley? Wait and see.
Edit: Thanks to :Follow @ArsenalKieran for the brilliant picture.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goonerpower and https://www.facebook.com/KieranCPhoto
Keenos
Follow @KeenosAFC
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
Released buy Charlton and not given a new deal…. Hmmmm….
LikeLike
True?
‘Released him one year early from his contract’ doesn’t mean ‘he is crap’ as you imply. A ‘new deal’ doesn’t come into it, you’ve made that up.
A series of other clubs were after him, he looked great on trial at Arsenal.
LikeLike
He said on twitter that he turned down an extension to complete the deal.
So- Hmmm, do your homework.
LikeLike
Not a bad deal in any case, as he also was a free transfer as Sanogo. Whether they´ll prove to be successes as Campbell or a “not quite good enough” as Bartley is somewhat irrelevant. EVERY team has more Bartleys than Campbells.
LikeLike
“would of marked our defence down as the weak link.”
WOULD HAVE marked our defence down as the weak link.
Okay. Now I can read the rest of the article.
LikeLike
boateng actually looked very good last week at the emirates, but one good performance out of position means little. ajayi wasn’t released by Charlton, he turned down their offer. I can see him and hayden forming a good partnership or even him and boateng
LikeLike
Maybe you should take your own advice and wait and see before you start to compare young players to Arsenal legends…
LikeLike
Sorry, that last comment sounded a bit too harsh, I have enjoyed some of the articles I have read on this site. Keep up the good work… C’mon Arsenal…
LikeLike
cheers fella
LikeLike
You did not stated anything grounded on what ground that he can be compare to Sol ? Plus did you realize how good Sol is/was – J.Terry,Rio F. and any recent generation of Englishman CB is nothing compare to Sol quality (but that is before he going AWOL during A.Villa game -season 🙂
LikeLike
Am a gunner & a Nigerian. Good or bad, i just wanna see more Nigerians play 4 the gunners. Chuba Akpom, Chuks Aneke & now Semi Ajayi would one day breaks into the starting eleven as Kanu Nwankwo did. Up nigeria, up gunners.
LikeLike
fair play mate
LikeLike
WE GOT A BIG FUCKING SEMI !!!
LikeLike
yes we have got semi proud naija man
LikeLike
i don’t follow the under 21 team as much as I should but i love the look of him. he certainly looks like a strong CD and has the potential to go far. At 6.1 myself, i can’t help but be envious of them long legs. Welcome to the Arsenal Semi.
LikeLike
FIRST EVER VIDEO ON THE NET OF SEMI AJAYI!!!
youtube.com/watch?v=FU9orP0QcNo
He seems to be an exciting prospect for Arsenal F.C. He is one for the future!!
LikeLike