Arsenal have decided to activate a summer break clause to recall Harry Clarke from his loan spell with Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernian.
This is actually the second time in the space of five months that the young defender has been recalled early by his parent club, as back in January his loan spell at Ross County was cut short in order for him to make the move to Easter Road where he had to wait until March to make his debut following injury.
Despite being a regular in the Hibs side towards the end of last season, the decision has been made for Clarke to leave 12 months ahead of schedule with Arsenal exercising their right in the loan agreement to recall the 21-year-old.
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"We can confirm that Harry Clarke has left Hibernian FC after being recalled by Arsenal," a statement via the club's official website reads. "The English Premier League club activated the summer break clause in the loan agreement just before Lee Johnson’s side returned for pre-season. After joining Hibernian FC in January 2022, Clarke recovered from a hamstring injury to break into the starting XI.
"During his time with us, he made eight appearances and contributed with one goal and two assists; his goal came on his debut for the Club against Dundee United. We thank Harry for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future."
Although Clarke has been recalled by Arsenal, just as the case was in January after his early return, the plan is to send the youngster back out on loan immediately as Stoke Sentinel have revealed that Stoke City are hoping to complete a move ahead of the squad's return for pre-season training next week.
This loan move has likely been agreed upon in order for Clarke to test himself at a higher level in the Championship next season. If things go to plan then he could emulate another Arsenal youngster in Daniel Ballard who after impressing for Millwall last season is now attracting interest from several sides in English football's second tier.
As revealed by football.london last month, whilst the Gunners were delighted with his time in south London, there are concerns over how much game time Ballard would be able to get if he returned considering Benjamin White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Rob Holding are all ahead of him in the pecking order.
As a result, Arsenal have taken the decision to allow the defender, who has two years on remaining on his contract, to leave this summer if an appropriate offer is forthcoming.
