OXFORD United have signed highly-rated Arsenal midfielder Dan Crowley on a season-long loan.

The move was finalised this morning in time for the 18-year-old to join in the squad’s first training session of pre-season, at Bisham Abbey.

It is Crowley’s second taste of senior football, after making 13 appearances on loan at Barnsley last season, including a first senior goal in the Capital One Cup against Everton.

The England under-19 international impressed at Oakwell before being recalled last October and cannot wait to get started after hearing good things about the U’s.

He said: “It’s a great club and I can’t wait to get started training with the lads and working under the gaffer.

“A massive input on my decision was seeing how young players had flourished under the gaffer here - it’s what I look for."

Crowley is able to play in a variety of roles in midfield, particularly in the hole off a striker, although he can play in wide areas.

He became the fifth signing of the summer for Michael Appleton, who has known of the youngster for several years.

The United head coach said: “Dan’s got bags of talent, there’s no doubt about that.

“I think he’s at a point now in his career, although he’s only 18, where he just needs to play football.

“Hopefully we can give him that opportunity.

“I was aware of him even when he was at Villa, just because of my connections at West Brom.

“He’s got fantastic ability, great energy levels and gets around the pitch.”