Ergotelis striker Nikos Karelis is heading for a trial with Premier League side Arsenal this month, according to the Cretan club.

The 16-year-old, born on February 24 1992, became the youngest player to take part in a Super League game last Sunday when he came on as a second-half substitute in Ergotelis's 2-0 win over Xanthi, a result that kept his side in the top division.

Ergotelis said in a statement on the club's website that Arsenal have invited Karelis to take part in training and an Under-16 tournament between April 29 and May 5.

The Cretan club said they have agreed to release Karelis after being given clearance by the teenager's father.

The striker, who says Arsenal strike Emmanuel Adebayor is his idol, declared himself thrilled with opportunity to spend time at the London club.

"I know that it will be very difficult to start with but I am going there to succeed," Karelis told Sport 24.

"Even if I don't make it, I think I'll gain lots of useful experience that will help me improve in the future."

If Karelis makes it at Arsenal, he will be following the footsteps of central defender Stathis Tavlaridis who moved from Iraklis to the Gunners in 2001, at the age of 21.

Tavlaridis failed to budge Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure from the starting 11 and had to settle for just eight appearances in his three years at the club, which included loan spells at Portsmouth and Lille.

Tavlaridis made his move to Lille permanent in 2004. Last summer he moved to Saint-Etienne.