Isaac Hayden has revealed that, as grateful as he is to Arsenal, he feels he can progress better with Newcastle.

Although Hayden was with us from 2008, he found it difficult to really cement himself in the youth side regularly. His loan spell at Hull last season wasn’t as successful as he (or we) would have hoped and, with that in mind, the decision for him to sign for Newcastle is a good one. I don’t think he would have progressed much more at Arsenal but he has a chance with the Championship side, which is something he acknowledges.

“Newcastle is a massive football club and to be given the opportunity to come here and progress my career is fantastic,” said Hayden.

“Being at Arsenal was a great experience, I learnt a lot there and have a lot to thank them for, but I needed to move on and so when Newcastle came in for me I jumped at the chance.

“I am still young but I want to get as many games under my belt as I can and help the team bounce back to the Premier League.”

https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/752441382380470272

It could be a fantastic move for the 21-year-old; he’s young enough to make a go of it at a new club but not so young he’ll disappear into another youth system.

Whether he’ll be integrated into the Magpies’ senior squad straight away is doubtful – although that would be amazing – but there’s plenty for him to build upon.