Arsenal midfielder set to leave after emotional message as Edu prepares £100m Declan Rice bid.
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Promising Arsenal academy graduate Matt Smith has confirmed his departure from the club this summer, bringing an end to his 16-year association with the Gunners. Despite his long tenure at Arsenal, the 22-year-old deep-lying midfielder has never made a senior appearance for the club.
In recent years, Smith has been loaned out to various clubs including Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, and Doncaster Rovers.
Taking to social media, Smith expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters in a heartfelt message. He wrote, “Thank you Gunners. After 16 years at my boyhood club, it’s time for me to look to the next chapter of my career. Along this journey, it would be impossible to name everyone that has added to my time at the club.
However, to all the players, staff, and supporters, I can only say thank you and that I am forever grateful. To the fans, keep supporting this great club, success is around the corner. Once a Gooner, always a Gooner love heart emoji.”
Smith’s departure may not be the only midfield exit from Arsenal this summer. It is widely anticipated that Swiss international Granit Xhaka will complete a £13 million move to Bayer Leverkusen once the Gunners secure a suitable replacement.
Manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified West Ham United captain Declan Rice as a top transfer target for the upcoming season. Football.london understands that Arsenal initially submitted a bid of £80 million, with an additional £10 million in add-ons, which was promptly rejected by the Hammers. However, the Gunners are prepared to table an improved offer worth approximately £100 million in their pursuit of the highly-rated midfielder.
Another potential departure from Arsenal’s midfield ranks could be Thomas Partey. The Times has reported that certain figures within the club have expressed dissatisfaction with the Ghanaian’s performances towards the end of last season. Should Arsenal decide to part ways with Partey, he is valued at around £25 million according to CIES Football Observatory.
While Arsenal remains keen on reinforcing their squad in preparation for a return to the Champions League, their pursuit of certain targets has cooled.
Brighton star Moises Caicedo, who had previously piqued their interest, is no longer a priority. However, there have been persistent rumors linking Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
As Arsenal looks to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead, including their anticipated return to Europe’s premier club competition, it is conceivable that young talents like Smith may need to seek opportunities elsewhere to secure regular first-team football in the future.
The Gunners are determined to assemble a competitive squad capable of competing at the highest level, which may limit the chances for academy prospects to break into the senior team.
Matt Smith’s departure from Arsenal marks the end of a 16-year association with the club. The midfielder, who never made a first-team appearance, expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters in a social media post.
Arsenal’s midfield could also see further changes, with Granit Xhaka expected to depart and the club pursuing the likes of Declan Rice. Additionally, Thomas Partey’s future remains uncertain.
As Arsenal aims to bolster their squad for a return to the Champions League, young talents like Smith may need to explore other opportunities to gain regular playing time.
