England and Ghana battle over Arsenal talent Frimpong

Published on: 26 August 2011

England and Ghana's FAs are battling to land the latest Arsenal academy graduate.

The 19-year-old midfielder has played for England Under-16 and 17s and been part of Under 19 squads.

But Ghana are keen to rush through the process of securing his international future in their favour.

Frimpong was born in the Ghanaian capital, Accra. In 2009, he said: 'No matter what, I will always play for Ghana.'

This year he reinforced his point, saying: 'If Ghana call me, I will ride my own bicycle from England to Ghana.'

That did not stop England Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce from naming Frimpong in his squad on Wednesday for the clashes against Azerbaijan and Israel.

Despite the midfielder's statements, the English FA are awaiting paper work from their Ghanaian counterparts to start the process of transferring his registration.

Sources at the Ghanaian FA have told Sportsmail they will look to secure Frimpong's future in light of Pearce's decision and are set to invite him to their friendly against five-time world champions Brazil at Craven Cottage on 5 September.

Even if Frimpong did play for England Under 21s, he would be eligible for Ghana as Under 21 matches are not classed as competitive.

Frimpong made his first League start in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat by Liverpool last Saturday, a match in which he was sent off for two bookable offences.

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