Dutch u18 international signs for Arsenal after rejecting new deal | OneFootball

Arsenal have secured the signature of Demiane Agustien, a promising 17-year-old midfielder, from Derby County after the teenager turned down a professional contract from the Championship club.

Demiane Agustien signing via Arsenal.com

The Dutch youth international has signed professional terms in North London and is expected to feature predominantly for the under-21 side this season.

He arrives with experience at that level, having already played against Arsenal for Derby at Meadow Park in April, where he provided an assist.

Agustien, who was previously on the books of West Bromwich Albion, is the son of former Swansea City and Crystal Palace midfielder Kemy Agustien, and says his decision to move to Arsenal was shaped by the club’s developmental environment.

“I’m just very pleased, obviously playing for a big club. Can’t wait to get started and play for Arsenal,” Agustien told the club’s website.

“I think the way they’ve got the ex-pro footballers here as well, which is something big within the club. Obviously, you’ve got the likes of Per [Mertesacker], which I’ve obviously spoken to as well, and I know his values. They’re very high and he wants to create a better player, but also a better person, which is a great statement as well.”

Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter

A versatile midfielder capable of operating centrally or out wide, Agustien has also earned caps with Netherlands U18s, and is eligible to represent Curaçao, who he has also featured for.

His roots have further strengthened his admiration for Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who shares the same heritage.

“Obviously, I’ve known about him because he’s a Dutch player, but he’s also from Curaçao, a small Caribbean island, where I’m from and not many people from the Netherlands and from Curaçao live in the UK,” Agustien said.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

“So therefore, it’s nice to obviously see him, train with him as well and see the levels of what brought him here and what got him here.”

Reflecting on his ambitions for the season ahead, the teenager added: “I’ll just look to make a statement on why I think I’m good enough to be playing for Arsenal and really prove myself and eventually, hopefully, I can make some appearances with the first team hopefully or to be on a bench as well and gain experience. Would be amazing for this season.”

Derby County confirmed Agustien’s departure and noted that while they had offered him a contract, he elected to join Arsenal instead.

The club will receive an undisclosed compensation package for the transfer.