Arsenal have confirmed the departures of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and nine academy players, with Reiss Nelson’s future also uncertain.
Arsenal posted their released list on Friday, confirming the departures of a number of young professional players as well as a few on scholarship contracts.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the most notable men’s first-team player to depart, following his loan to Southampton. Maitland-Niles had previously confirmed he was on the way out, but we now have the official confirmation.
From the academy, Zach Awe, Joel Ideho, George Lewis, Matt Smith, and Tom Smith are all joining Maitland-Niles in leaving the club.
Arsenal add that Reiss Nelson’s contract also expires at the end of June, but negotiations over an extension are ongoing.
Finally, Arsenal confirm that scholars Kaleel Green, Alexandar Kovacevic, Tino Quamina, and Matty Roberts are also leaving the club at the end of their contracts.
It’s already been widely confirmed that Arsenal and Nelson are in talks over a new contract, with the latest reports suggesting he’s closing in on a deal.
But until he’s signed on the dotted line, Arsenal are obliged to leave him on their list of players whose contracts expire at the end of the month.
Many of the other departures are unsurprising. Reports had already confirmed centre-back Awe, goalkeeper Kovacevic, and winger Ideho were set to leave, Green has already signed for Colchester United, and Matt Smith confirmed his departure on Thursday.
Writing on Instagram, Smith said: “Thank you Gunners. After 16 years at my boyhood club, it’s time for me to look to the next chapter of my career.
“Along this journey, it would be impossible to name everyone that has added to my time at the club. However, to all the players, staff, and supporters, I can only say thank you and that I am forever grateful.
“To the fans keep supporting this great club, success is around the corner.
“Once a Gooner, always a Gooner.”
Tom Smith did well on his recent loan to Colchester United, his first spell in the football league after a number of non-league loans, but Arsenal are fairly stacked in goal in his age group.
Tino Quamina spent much of the last campaign out with injuries, whilst George Lewis and Matty Roberts struggled for consistent minutes. So again, it’s not surprising to see them moving on.
Arsenal have a lot of players in the academy setup at the moment, so it was inevitable this summer would lead to a lot of departures.
Many more are expected over the next couple of months, whether on loan or permanent transfers.