Peterborough United lose young defender to Premier League academy

Arthur had yet to sign a professional contract with the club and therefore Posh will only be able to command a compensation fee.

Arthur rose to prominence in the summer after making his debut for the England Under-18 side in the summer.

The fee for his transfer to Brentford is undisclosed but will represent a blow for Posh who were trying to tie the 18-year-old down to a professional contract.

Arthur, who joined the club as a 13-year-old, helped Posh lift the Professional Development League Cup last season with a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Kieran Scarff, current Posh assistant manager and former Academy manager said, “Benji displayed an excellent attitude during his time with the football club. He was part of the full-time programme at Nene Park Academy and has been with the club since under 13 level. We wish him well at Brentford and for the rest of his career.”

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has claimed that the deal for Arthur is a League One record for a 17-year-old only a scholar contract.