Wigan Athletic have confirmed the signing of Matt Smith, following the expiry of the midfielder’s contract at Arsenal.

Young midfielder Matt Smith was one of a number of players released by Arsenal at the end of June, with the Gunners confirming his contract wouldn’t be renewed.

But it hasn’t taken long for the 22-year-old to find a new club, with Wigan Athletic confirming the signing of the Arsenal academy graduate on Saturday.

Smith has joined Wigan on a three-year deal, after 16 years playing for Arsenal.

In 2022/23, Smith spent the campaign playing for the Arsenal u21s, hoping to get an opportunity to step up into the first team under Mikel Arteta.

But with Arsenal playing so well and challenging for the Premier League title, as well as exiting all other competitions relatively early, chances to give debuts were scarce.

Before that, Smith had spent time out on loan with Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, and Doncaster Rovers. He now joins Wigan Athletic permanently.

Wigan had a couple of Arsenal players on loan last season, but Miguel Azeez rarely featured for the side, and Omar Rekik had a couple of injury or suspension absences limiting his minutes.

When he was available and on the pitch, Rekik seemed to impress, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to stop Wigan slipping to relegation.

As a result, Smith will link up with a Wigan side now in League One, aiming to get back into the Championship next season.

“I was at Arsenal for 16 years, and I developed there as a person and a player, so I can’t thank them enough,” Smith said after the move was confirmed.

“I was fortunate to be around the first team, so along with that and my loan moves, I’ve taken a lot from it and now I’m ready to come here, and push on.

“I’m really excited. We’ve got the trip (to Hungary) coming up on Sunday and I feel like it’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into it.”