Zak Swanson has left Arsenal on a permanent transfer to Portsmouth, signing a long-term contract with the League One club.

Zak Swanson after signing for Portsmouth (Photo via PortsmouthFC.co.uk)
Zak Swanson after signing for Portsmouth (Photo via PortsmouthFC.co.uk)

Initially, it appeared Zak Swanson was set for a loan move this week, but Arsenal instead confirmed a permanent transfer to Portsmouth on Monday.

Portsmouth write that Swanson has signed an initial two-year deal, but with a club option for a further 12 months. Arsenal will receive an undisclosed fee for the transfer.

Blues boss Danny Cowley says that Zak “brings an energy and athleticism to our squad after a fantastic footballing education at Arsenal.

“He’s technically very good and has lovely passing skills, along with the ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas.

“He loves to overlap and get into the final third of the pitch to threaten the opposition goal, providing crosses and shots.

“There are still areas of the game for him to work at – like with all young players – but it’s an exciting signing because we see the growth in Zak.

“We love the fact that he’s versatile. We’ve seen him play in a number of positions for Arsenal and he does them all equally well.”

Zak Swanson pulls on the captain's armband for the Arsenal u23s against Bromley FC (Photo by Dan Critchlow)
Zak Swanson pulls on the captain’s armband for the Arsenal u23s against Bromley FC (Photo by Dan Critchlow)

21-year-old right-back Swanson never made his competitive debut for Arsenal, but he seemed to be making good progress last season.

The defender appeared on the bench for Mikel Arteta’s Premier League side 15 times in a row between February and May.

Jack Wilshere suggested to Daily Cannon just over a month ago that clubs would take notice of that, and would be more likely to take a chance on Swanson this summer. Evidently, he was right.

Swanson’s path has been a little odd, only going out on one brief loan to the Netherlands before his permanent departure. But he’ll now get a proper shot at senior football in the English lower leagues.