Transfer talk: ‘He has similarities to a young Ashley Cole’ – Arsene Wenger waxes lyrical about new non-league recruit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has added left-back Cohen Bramall to his squad. Michael Regan / Getty Images

Cohen Bramall admits it is “incredible” that he has gone from non-league football and redundancy to joining Arsenal – with the London club officially announcing his signing on Tuesday.

The left-back, 20, had been on trial with Arsene Wenger’s side, with Arsenal having now paid a nominal fee to recruit the former factory worker from Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Hednesford Town.

Bramall will link-up with the Under 23 squad after failing to secure deals following trials at both Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday.

Wenger said last week that Bramall, who was made redundant from his job in a Bentley factory a day before signing with the Premier League side, has “similarities to a young Ashley Cole”.

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Whether he can go on to emulate the sort of trophy-laden career as the former England left-back remains uncertain, but for now Bramall will be adjusting to his new life as a professional footballer.

Asked how it felt to be an Arsenal player, Bramall told the club’s official website: “Incredible, incredible. It’s a dream come true. I can’t believe that I’m here already.

“I played a game at Birmingham City on a Monday. Then on the Tuesday, I was made redundant from Bentley Motors and on the Wednesday, Arsenal came in.

“I was gobsmacked and took the chance with both hands. I drove down on the Wednesday and trained with the first team on Thursday and Friday. Then they offered me a deal.”

Wenger already has Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs as left-back options in his senior squad, so Bramall may have to wait to break into the first-team picture at the Emirates Stadium.

Elsewhere, Palace have appointed Sammy Lee as their assistant manager, the Premier League club have announced.

Lee has joined the coaching staff at Selhurst Park, reuniting with Palace manager Sam Allardyce, who he worked under during their time at Bolton Wanderers from 2005 until 2007.

The Englishman has enjoyed coaching spells with the England national team as well as roles at Liverpool and Southampton at the end of last season.

Allardyce was delighted to welcome Lee, 57, back to his management set-up and told the club’s website: “I am looking forward to working with Sammy.

“It was great working with him at Bolton and he is someone who has a wealth of experience both at club and international level over the years as well.”

Lee said the decision to reunite with Allardyce was a straightforward one.

“Very much so,” Lee said. “I didn’t need to take any time to think about it. As soon as he asked, no problem.

“We have an abundance of talent and obviously this season has been a little bit different for them.

“It’s been a bit difficult but there’s plenty of talent, there’s plenty of quality. We just need to get them up and going again.

* Agencies

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