Youth midfielder Ben Cottrell has signed for NS Mura on a permanent deal from Arsenal.

Arsenal midfielder Ben Cottrell has signed for Slovenian first-division side NS Mura on a permanent deal, after around 13 years with the Gunners.

On Monday, Chris Wheatley reported for Gooner News that Cottrell has already signed his contract with Mura, and it was just a matter of waiting for the official announcement.

That came on Tuesday afternoon.

The 21-year-old made 13 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League 2 last season, scoring three goals and assisting two from midfield.

He was a regular starter throughout 2023, after missing much of the first half of the campaign through injury.

Often touted as one of the players capable of making the step up to the Arsenal first team in the past, Cottrell’s opportunities on that front suffered due to his recent fitness record.

Back in the 2020/21 campaign, Cottrell was starting for the Arsenal academy, and his form earned him a first-team debut against Dundalk in the Europa League.

But an injury setback at the end of February 2021 brought the midfielder’s season to an early end, and it kickstarted a tough couple of years for the youngster.

Cottrell initially returned to action in August 2021, but he was quickly back on the treatment table. Then he made another comeback in January 2022, only to be ruled out for another year.

After Cottrell finally got back to full fitness and managed a run of games in the side this year, Mehmet Ali admitted the youngster needed senior football.

“Ben needs to go out and play men’s football,” Ali said.

“Having said that he’s had a really tough two seasons – the last two seasons have been very difficult.

“I feel that as a group of staff, we’ve really supported him. But credit to Ben to get his head down, support the younger players, and put in some of the performances that he’s put on.

“Hopefully he’s done enough to showcase him to go and get an opportunity to play men’s football, which is what he needs.”

Arsenal’s statement said, “The 21-year-old began with our academy in 2010 at the age of eight and has been a valuable member at youth level ever since.

“Ben signed his first professional contract for the club in July 2019 and the midfielder made his debut for our first team in December 2020, coming off the bench in our 4-2 win away to Dundalk in the Europa League group stages.

“Ben made 13 appearances for our under-21s last season, scoring three goals and assisting twice.

“We thank Ben for his contribution and wish him all the best with NS Mura.”