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

Midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, 19, 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.'

In demand: Frimpong (bottom) has been called up by England U21s

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 September 5.

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