Arsenal midfielder announces departure after 16 years at the club

Arsenal midfielder Matt Smith has announced his departure from the club.

Smith has spent the past few seasons on loan at Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers in order to aid his development.

One of the longest serving players at the club, the 23-year-old leaves Emirates Stadium at the end of his contract without making a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners.

Smith was named in Arsenal's 24-man squad for the 2022/23 Europa League campaign and has trained regularly with Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.

“Thank you Gunners. After 16 years at my boyhood club, it’s time for me to look to the next chapter of my career,” wrote Smith on his Instagram account.“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”

Meanwhile, winger Joel Ideho will also leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of June.

The Gunners had the option to extend the 19-year-old’s contract for a further two years, but they have chosen not to exercise it due to the number of players in the current academy squad.