Gillingham have completed the season-long loan signing of Arsenal forward Trae Coyle.

Coyle, 19, becomes Gillingham’s sixth summer signing and trained for the first time on Thursday ahead of the Gills’ opening pre-season matches – two 45-minute games at Colchester United – this Saturday.

He is the second Arsenal youngster to join the club on loan this transfer window, after defender Zech Medley, and will play out the 2020/21 season on loan at Priestfield.

Coyle will be known to fans around the world after he was nominated for the Golden Boy 2020 award earlier this year. He can play on either wing, up front or behind the striker, and has been capped by England at youth level.

He has been at Arsenal since he was eight-years-old and was a regular in the Gunners’ under 23 team last season, but, after signing his first professional contract in June, he now makes his first senior loan move and insists he is ready to play men’s football.

He told Gillingham’s website: “I am delighted to be here – it is a big step for me. I am getting to the age where I need to play men’s football and I think this is a great place for me to have my first spell.

“I am very excited, I can’t wait to get started. I’m a creative player who likes to make chances and get on the ball.”

Manager Steve Evans added: “Trae is a very exciting young talent and he is ready to further his football education.

“He is very highly thought of at Arsenal and his performances have made him a sought after loan player.

“Trae has a lot to learn, his development we are entrusted with but, in reality, his attitude and work rate will determine his success at League One level because he is a very very talented boy. He had a vast choice of clubs here in England, Holland and Germany so we are delighted to get the lad here.”

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC.