Arsenal have activated a recall clause in Harry Clarke’s loan deal, and they’re reportedly set to loan him back out to Hibernian FC.

Ross County’s Harry Clarke scores against Rangers (Steve Welsh / PA / PA Wire)
Ross County’s Harry Clarke scores against Rangers (Steve Welsh / PA / PA Wire)

Both Ross County and Arsenal have now confirmed that Harry Clarke has been recalled from his loan with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, with the Gunners activating their recall clause.

According to The Scottish S*n, who posted an article reporting the recall before it was confirmed by either club, the plan is to loan Clarke back out to Scotland.

He’ll join Hibernian FC on another loan deal through to May.

After 17 appearances, three goals, and two Player of the Month awards for Clarke in the first half of the season, Ross County manager Malky Mackay said:

“Although we are disappointed to be losing Harry, I would like to thank him for his contribution in the last six months and I think he has become an even more rounded player in that time.

“I hope he feels his time spent here in Dingwall has been enjoyable and we would like to wish him well in his career going forward.”

Harry Clarke celebrating his goal for Ross County (Photo via Clarke on Twitter)
Harry Clarke celebrating his goal for Ross County (Photo via Clarke on Twitter)

It may seem harsh to recall Clarke and loan him back out to another team in the same league, especially when Ross County have given the defender such regular game time.

The problem is the format of the Scottish Premiership.

During the latter stages of the competition, the league table is split, and the top-half teams play against each other whilst the bottom-half teams do the same.

So by joining a top-half side in Hibs, Clarke would hopefully be adding extra fixtures against the likes of Rangers and Celtic, instead of playing relegation candidates like Dundee FC and St. Johnstone with Ross County.

Hibs already have a former Arsenal academy player in their ranks, with 27-year-old Matt Macey helping them to six clean sheets in 20 league games this season so far.