England Under-20 international Nico Yennaris joins Brentford from Arsenal

Brentford have signed England Under-19 international Nico Yennaris from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old, who can play in defence and midfield, linked up with The Bees this morning.

He signed a two and a half year deal and will be available for Brentford’s Sky Bet League One match against Bristol City at Griffin Park tomorrow, Tuesday January 28.

The contract will keep him at Griffin Park until 2016.

Mark Warburton, Brentford FC Manager, said: “Nico is a player we have watched for many years as he has come through the Academy at Arsenal.

“He is a very talented player, technically good and physically sound.

“He has a real tactical astuteness for a young player.

“Nico has shown great flexibility in terms of positioning, appearing for Arsenal at right back, left back and in midfield.

“Nico is in the same age category as George Saville, Jake Bidwell and Marcello Trotta.

“He is a talented young player and I am sure he will have a bright future at Brentford Football Club.

“We are delighted to secure him permanently.

“I thank the senior staff at Arsenal for their help in finalising the deal.”

Nico, which is short for Nicholas, came through the ranks at Arsenal, having joined The Gunners at the age of seven.

He signed his first professional deal in 2010, just after his 17th birthday, and made his debut in October 2011 in a League Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers.

Nico has made four appearances in total for Arsenal, including one in a Premier League game against Manchester United.

He also played for Arsenal at Under-21 level and captained The Gunners in the NextGen Series, the Under-19 tournament for the Academy teams at some of Europe’s top clubs.

Nico has also had loan spells at Notts County and AFC Bournemouth and represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level.

He has played ten times for his country at all levels.

Nico will wear the number 28 shirt.