Arsenal have recalled Harry Clarke from his loan at Hibernian FC, and loaned him out to Stoke City instead.

Harry Clarke celebrates a goal for Hibernian FC (Photo via Hibs on Twitter)
Harry Clarke celebrates a goal for Hibernian FC (Photo via Hibs on Twitter)

A Stoke Sentinel report early on Friday afternoon claimed Stoke City were hoping to conclude a loan deal for Arsenal defender Harry Clarke. That deal has now been announced by Arsenal.

Though Clarke agreed an 18-month loan to Hibernian in January, the deal contained break clauses allowing Arsenal to recall the centre-back in the summer or next January – if they wished to.

Hibs then officially confirmed that Arsenal had activated their summer clause to bring Clarke back.

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill was reportedly spotted scouting at Hibs last month, and Clarke put in a strong performance on the day, seemingly convincing the manager to make an offer.

Harry Clarke playing for Hibernian FC (Photo via Hibs on Twitter)
Harry Clarke playing for Hibernian FC (Photo via Hibs on Twitter)

Clarke had a good season overall, making 25 appearances, scoring four goals, and providing four assists.

It was a campaign disrupted by circumstances off the pitch, as the 21-year-old started off with Ross County, then was recalled and re-loaned to Hibs in January, before suffering a hamstring injury in training that saw him miss three months of action.

All the same, Clarke returned to fitness with a goal on his Hibs debut, and kept his place in the team until the end of the season.

Now he’ll get his chance in the Championship.