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 from Crystal Palace, bolstering their youth ranks. Advertisement Bernard has penned a pre-contract with Arsenal, joining as a first-year scholar ahead of signing professional terms when he turns 17 next year. The highly-rated striker scored more than 40 GOALS for Palace's academy teams last season, catching the eye of clubs across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy 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 an England youth 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 Bernard took to Instagram to 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement The Gunners announced the capture of Manchester United duo James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye earlier 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. Advertisement Igor Tyjon has joined from Backburn Rovers, Axel Donczew has arrived from Cardiff City and Phoenix Blayney has signed from Northern Irish club Larne. Georgian prospect Andria Bartishvili is also expected to join the Hale End academy in the near future too. RECOMMENDED STORIES 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.