COLCHESTER United have added five youngsters to their under-21 squad on development contracts.

The U's have snapped up Kaleel Green from Arsenal, ex-Leicester City player Ronny Nelson and former West Bromwich Albion academy player, Archie Oliver for their youth squad.

Colchester have also brought in Jet Dyer from Aylesbury United, while Matt Yates has penned a new deal to stay with the club, having progressed through the U's youth set-up.

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The five will link up with their new U's team-mates for pre-season training under under-21 lead coach Dave Huzzey, ahead of the 2023/24 league campaign.

 

Green left Arsenal last month, following the expiry of his scholarship contract with the North London club.

The 18-year-old, who can play as a striker or a winger, joined Arsenal in 2021.

Green, who had previously been with Southampton's academy, spent time training with the Arsenal first team in February.

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Writing on social media last month, he said: “I am saddened to say that my time at Arsenal has come to an end.

“It’s been an amazing 2 years with this club having the privilege to play alongside outstanding players and coaching staff, and I just want to say thank you and best wishes for the future.”

Gazette:

Nelson has linked up with Colchester's academy after leaving Leicester.

The 19-year-old centre-back has been a regular for the Foxes' under-21s in Premier League Two division one and also featured for the club's under-21s, in the Papa Johns Trophy.

Oliver joined West Brom on a scholarship deal, in 2021.

The midfielder joined the Baggies from the IPDA academy, founded by former QPR midfielder Nigel Quashie.

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Colchester have also snapped up Aylesbury defender Dyer, who signed for the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club last summer.

Dyer told the U's website: "It’s a big step up for me, coming from non-league football, however I’m excited to sink my teeth into a new challenge here at Colchester United.

Gazette:

"I’m proud, it feels good to be here, a bit surreal but great at the same time. I really want to push on now and I know the coaches at the club can turn me into a better footballer."

Colchester have also extended Yates' time at the club, after he impressed for their younger age groups.

Yates told the U's website: "I felt I had a successful second year at the club, breaking through to the U21s about half-way through before really cementing my place in the squad.

"It feels great that my performances over the course of the season have been good enough to earn a new contract. I’m very excited to crack on now and I can’t wait for it all to start again."