Former Arsenal academy youngster Kaleel Green has signed his first professional contract with Colchester United, having been released by Arsenal.

Arsenal confirmed on Friday that nine academy players are being released at the end of their contracts this month, with that list including Kaleel Green.

But official confirmation of Green’s departure was no surprise, with the player already having confirmed his exit on his social media pages, and Colchester United announcing that he’s joining their u21 squad.

After leaving Arsenal, Green wrote a farewell message on social media: “I am saddened to say that my time at Arsenal has come to an end.

“It’s been an amazing 2 years with this club having the privilege to play alongside outstanding players and coaching staff, and I just want to say thank you and best wishes for the future.”

Then, after signing for Colchester United, Green added: “Proud to have signed my first professional contract at Colchester United. The start of a new adventure.”

Green joined Arsenal in April 2021 after a spell with Southampton’s academy, quickly integrating into the u18 squad and making his debut against Leicester City u18s later that same month.

The forward then made 11 league appearances for the Arsenal u18s in 2022/23, scoring in a rare start against West Bromwich Albion.

Green was involved in the FA Youth Cup squad for Arsenal’s opening game against Millwall, but he dropped out of the squad for the latter stages of the run to the final.

After struggling for consistent minutes this season, it makes sense for the youngster to look for a fresh start in Colchester.