AFC Wimbledon beat the competition to land Brentford striker Aaron Pressley on loan

AFC Wimbledon have signed Aaron Pressley on a season-long loan from Brentford for the 2021-22 campaign – with Mark Robinson confirming the Dons beat a lot of clubs to his signature.

Pressley scored 19 goals for Brentford’s B team last season and made three appearances for their first team.

The Dons have confirmed that the 19-year-old will wear the number 19 shirt for AFC Wimbledon.

“Aaron was our number one priority in terms of forward options,” said Robinson. “I’m sure everyone will think I’m bound to say that, but it’s a fact – the same as with George Marsh and Luke McCormick.

“Out of all the centre-forwards we looked at, he’s the most similar to Joe Pigott in terms of what he brings to the team. Aaron links up play really well, he can score goals, is good off the ball, and he’s very dynamic. He ticks all the boxes.

“The only element is that it’s going to be his first real taste of men’s football, so he will be looking to take his excellent form for Brentford’s B team into League One. I am absolutely delighted to sign Aaron because I made a presentation to him weeks ago, but there was loads of interest in him.

“When I’m presenting to a player the first thing I talk to him about is what we are about as a club and the second thing is what I expect from him as a player. For example, there is no point bringing in a player who doesn’t want to be involved in the Dons Local Action Group.

“If you have a player who turns his nose up at that, no matter how good he is, it’s not going to work for us. It’s important that they know that.

“There is also the football side, how you see the player fitting in and the final part is about him. That includes how we can develop the player and why we are the best choice of club. Once you have those conversations you get a feel from the player about working in the community.

“You get an idea if he’s going to be the right person. So far, the feedback from everyone about Luke and George is that we’ve got it right in terms of character, and it won’t be any different with Aaron.”

Pressley added: “It was a great season for me with the B team at Brentford, and that has brought me on a lot as a player. I have learned plenty from the first-team players there. After meeting with the manager, coming to Wimbledon really excited me, plus there is the new stadium and the fans. I can’t wait to get going.

“I spoke to a number of other clubs in League One and League Two, but I was excited by what the manager here had to say. In the presentation he made it showed that he wanted me a lot.

“I have watched videos about the club on YouTube, and it’s some rise with six promotions in 14 years. Hopefully we can do it again this season.”