Who is George Lewis? Norwegian youngster who has 'completed Arsenal transfer'

Arsenal have reportedly completed the signing of Norwegian teenager George Lewis after he impressed during a two-week trial earlier in March.

The 19-year-old - who has predominantly played his football in the third tier of Norwegian football having also never playing internationally at any level - did enough to impress coaches at Arsenal, according to VG in Norway.

Lewis, who was available as a free agent, is set to be brought into Steve Bould's Under-23s set-up, rather than the first team.

A surprising move to those unaware of the teenager, but also to those who know him best.

Jonothan Hill, the coach who handed Lewis his debut at Norwegian side Tromsdalen, told Goal: “It’s been in the news over here about Arsenal but no-one really gave it much attention at first.

“I’m delighted for George, but I’m also a little surprised. He’s nearly 20 and never been near the national teams and it’s not like he’s gone off the radar here during his development.

“So it has come as a surprise, but hopefully he can do well over there if it happens.”

So what is there to know about the teenager?

Here we run the rule over Lewis' career so far...

Career to date

Lewis was born in Kigali, Rwanda, but began his footballing career playing in the youth set-up at Norwegian side Tromso IL.

The winger swiftly moved down a couple of levels to third-tier club Tromsdalen, where he met Hill, who was the first to really see potential in Lewis.

However, despite Hill advising Lewis to stay at the club, the youngster moved on, also playing at Norwegian club Fram Larvik before moving to England, where he trained with Solihull United, according to Football.London.

Lewis was a free agent but now appears on the cusp of a new journey with one of England's most prestigious teams.

How does he play?

Lewis reportedly quickly impressed during his trial with Arsenal due to his blistering pace and ability to take on a defender in a one-on-one scenario. The right-footed 19-year-old, although preferring the right wing, can play on both flanks.

Of his abilities, Hill said: “He’s got some really outstanding qualities, but he’s also raw. If this happens, it’s brilliant because he does have some talent.

“He’s very quick and direct. He likes a stepover and has a range of tricks. He can beat a player - whether he can beat a Premier League full-back though is a different thing."

So why is Hill so surprised?

It may be slightly discouraging that the man who knows Lewis best is so surprised by the move. However, Hill does believe his former player has the ability to make it at Arsenal.

“I’m a little shocked but can understand why George would impress coaches at Arsenal’s level," he said.

“Why I’m surprised is that you have to look at why he’s not made it in Norway, which is the 26th ranked country in Europe and no-one else has taken him apart from me - who saw something in him.”

Hill added: “I really wish him well. He’s a really nice guy and this could be the thing that gets him going.”

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