Arsenal starlet Matt Smith has confirmed he will leave the club this summer after 16 years. Smith has never made a senior appearance for the Gunners after being loaned out to the likes of Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic and Donacaster Rovers in recent years.
The 22-year-old operates a deep-lying midfielder but looks set for a new challenge this summer after revealing he will leave the club in a message on social media. Smith 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 gans keep supporting this great club, success is around the corner. Once a Gooner, always a Gooner *love heart emoji*."
Smith may not be the only midfielder to leave the club this summer. Granit Xhaka is expected to finalise a £13million switch to Bayer Leverkusen once Arsenal sign a replacement.
Mikel Arteta has identified West Ham captain Declan Rice as a priority transfer target ahead of next season, football.london understands. Arsenal had an initial bid of £80million, plus £10million in add-ons, rejected by the Hammers but are ready to submit an improved offer worth around £100million.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice £100m offer, Havertz deal 'close', Caicedo 'agreed'
Thomas Partey could also leave the club this summer with The Times having reported that some figures at the club have been unhappy with the drop off in his performances towards the end of last season. Partey is valued at £25million - as per CIES Football Observatory.
The Gunners are said to have cooled their interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo - but Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. With Arsenal looking to strengthen ahead of a return to the Champions League next term, it could see young talents like Smith be forced into looking elsewhere for first team opportunities in the coming years.
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