Arsenal defender Dominic Thompson has made a deadline day move to Championship side Brentford, as reported by the Gunners' official website.

The 19-year-old has not broken through at the Emirates during his time there and makes a permanent switch to West London.

The left back made the news back in November when he was selected by Unai Emery to travel for a Europa League game against FC Vorskla. He didn't get on the field and hasn't been able to capitalise on being noticed by the manager.

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He captained the Arsenal Under 16 side and occasionally played central midfield, but converted to a left back by the time he hit the Under 18s. He was a key part of the side that reached the FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea in 2017/18.

He earned his first professional contract on the back of that run, signing the deal in June 2018. He progressed to their Under 23 setup but has now been allowed to leave the Emirates in search of first team football.

Thomas Frank is delighted to have secured the deal, telling his club's official site: “Dominic is a very talented young player and over the past two years the speed of his development has increased. He is a technically very good left back or left wing back."

The Verdict

This could be a great signing for Brentford; you only have to look at the rapid progress Marc Bola has made since leaving their academy and venturing out into senior football.

Thompson won't be an immediate starter for Brentford, he'll play second fiddle to Rico Henry, but he's sure to be on the edge of the first team.

He's not a traditional full back, he's the new breed that is able to get forward and help out in attack, suited to a wing back role as much as a traditional left-sided player in a flat back four.

That will suit Brentford's quick build-up play and high rate of chance creation. If he gets a run in the first team he could be an understated signing that turns into a real gem.