Former Arsenal left-back Marc Bola has made the step up from League One to the Championship, joining Middlesbrough.

Marc Bola (pictured, right) (Picture source: NurPhoto / Getty Images)
Marc Bola during his time with Arsenal (Picture source: NurPhoto / Getty Images)

21-year-old Bola left Arsenal for League One Blackpool last summer, making 43 senior appearances in his first season for the club.

Blackpool were clearly impressed with the defender, offering him a new contract and turning down several transfer offers. After winning their player of the year award, that’s not exactly surprising.

After Bola rejected the contract offers, Blackpool eventually gave in and sold Bola to Middlesbrough on Sunday. Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate told their club website:

“There were other clubs interested, but he wanted to come here, and that’s the important thing.”

Bola posted on Twitter to reveal his excitement as the ‘new chapter’ in his career:

It’s great to see a young ex-Arsenal academy player progressing through the leagues after initially having to drop down to get games. Bola always did well with the youth teams and on loan, so it’s not a surprise to see new clubs taking note of that.

Middlesbrough only narrowly finished outside of the play-off places last season – one point behind Derby County – so there’s a good chance Bola might make his way up to the Premier League before long. Good luck to him with his new team!