![\"Southampton](\"http:\/\/www.allnigeriasoccer.com\/..\/football_pics\/26575Awe.png\")
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EFL Championship club Southampton have beaten a plethora of clubs to sign\u00a0Greenwich, United Kingdom-born Nigerian central defender Zach Awe.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The Hale End Academy product was released by Arsenal at the end of last month after he opted not to sign a contract extension with the north London club.<\/p>\n
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The Daily Telegraph sports reporter\u00a0Mike McGrath has informed through social media that\u00a0Southampton have agreed deal to sign Zach Awe who is now expected to compete for a first-team place at centre-back under manager Russell Martin this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Although Awe left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent, Arsenal will be due compensation because he was offered a new contract and is under the age of 24.<\/p>\n
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The 19-year-old has decided to move on to pastures new as his first team opportunities were non-existent under manager Mikel Arteta despite training with the senior squad on several occasions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Awe received just one call-up for a first team game during his time at the Emirates Stadium and it came against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 10, 2022 when he was a non-playing substitute.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Initially signed by Arsenal as a right fullback, the physical player was later shifted across into central defence.<\/p>\n
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Awe is set to link up with Nigeria internationals Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo, plus former Chelsea right-back Derrick Abu at Southampton.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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