Arsenal’s Harry Clarke has signed for Ross County on loan for the 2021/22 season, with the two clubs announcing the deal on Monday.

Harry Clarke with Ross County (Photo via Ross County FC)
Harry Clarke with Ross County (Photo via Ross County FC)

Arsenal confirmed on Monday morning that young academy centre-back Harry Clarke will join Scottish Premiership side Ross County on loan for the coming season, stepping up from his loan to League Two last campaign.

Ross County also posted the news, with manager Malky Mackay telling the club website: “Harry is a player that I have tracked and watched for some time having seen a lot of youth football during my time with the Scottish FA.

“He is a player with talent and ability but more so he has a tremendous attitude and one that I think is a perfect fit for our club.

“I would also like to thank Arsenal FC for giving us this opportunity to further develop Harry, and the way in which the loan deal was conducted over the last few weeks.”

Last week, the Daily Record and The Inverness Courier broke the news that Ross County were closing in on a loan deal for Clarke.

From Arsenal’s end, Chris Wheatley then confirmed the reports, writing on Twitter that Clarke is close to signing for the Scottish Premiership club.

Clarke spent last season in League Two with Oldham Athletic. That was the central defender’s first loan spell, and it went well as he made 35 appearances, but this loan should provide him with tougher tests.

Clarke obviously got a taste of Scottish football with Arsenal in pre-season, travelling with the group up to Edinburgh and playing 45 minutes against Hibs. Now he’ll be hoping to prove himself on a weekly basis.

The 20-year-old was always likely to go out on loan this summer, having been added to Arsenal’s loan list they distributed around the UK.

Nikolaj Moller is another from the list who has already secured a loan move. The other six are still waiting at this stage.