Arsenal sign 40-goal striker, 16, from Premier League rivals days after transfer window slammed shut

ARSENAL have snapped up another rising star from their Premier League rivals as their aggressive academy recruitment continues. The Gunners have signed 16-year-old prospect Mylo Bernard fromCrystal Palace, bolstering their youth ranks. Bernard has penned a pre-contract withArsenal, joining as a first-year scholar ahead of signing professional terms when he turns 17 next year. The highly-rated striker scored more than40 GOALSfor Palace's academy teams last season, catching the eye of clubs across the country. Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with ourPrivacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. His performances also earned him a call-up to Palace's Under-18s team, where he netted six times in the U18 Premier League despite his young age. Bernard is also anEnglandyouth international and has scored four times in his eight caps for England's Under-16 side. READ MORE ON ARSENAL GROUNDED Arsenal travel chaos for Napoli with flight delayed due to air traffic meltdown Welcome player Join Sun Vegas now and claim a 100% deposit match bonus and 100 free spins Bernard took toInstagramto close the chapter on eight years at Crystal Palace, he wrote: 'After eight 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. '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. Horror moment Porsche race car driver flies off track and smashes into barrier Punters smash into Joseph O'Brien St Leger horse after jockey booking confirmed Rooney fears Carrick faces Man Utd sack and reveals why Fernandes needs help Bernie Ecclestone, 95, arrested for 'illegally carrying shotgun at airport' BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK '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 eight years I've had with this club.' Arsenal have already poached a host of top talent from their Premier League rivals this summer. The Gunners announcedthe capture of Manchester United duo James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneyeearlier this month. Meanwhile, Elijah Upson – son of former Arsenal and West Ham star Matthew Upson –crossed the North London divide to join from Tottenham earlier in the summer. Arsenal have also picked up future stars from other leagues, too. Igor Tyjon has joined from Backburn Rovers, Axel Donczew has arrived fromCardiff Cityand Phoenix Blayney has signed from Northern Irish club Larne. Georgian prospectAndria Bartishvili is also expected to join the Hale End academy in the near future too. The 17-year-old, who has been dubbed 'the next Kvaratskhelia,' will not be able to join Arsenal until he turns 18 next year due to post-brexit restrictions. But the Emirates outfit have already agreed a deal that will see him join their ranks from Georgian club Kolkheti Poti.