Zane Monlouis has explained why he left Arsenal after 13 years at the club, citing the need for first-team football as he begins a new chapter at Toronto FC.
Zane Monlouis has reflected on his decision to leave Arsenal after 13 years at the club, opting for a move to Toronto FC in search of senior football.
The 21-year-old defender, who joined Arsenal at the age of eight, had made more than 100 appearances across the U18, U21, and U23 sides but never broke into the first team.
“Where I’m at in my career, I was definitely looking for a move,” Monlouis explained. “Looking to just push on in my career really, get some more experience and hopefully push on to do bigger and better things.”
Toronto provided that opportunity, with Monlouis joining on trial during preseason before securing a two-year contract with options for a further one and two years.
Despite the excitement of a new challenge, leaving Arsenal was not easy.
“That aspect of it definitely wasn’t easy, because I’m leaving some of my close friends, teammates, family behind,” he admitted. “But I felt like I needed to change my stimulus. I was definitely up for the new challenge and ready to hit the ground when I heard the call [from Toronto].”
Competition at Arsenal was fierce. With William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, and Jurrien Timber all ahead of him in the pecking order, breaking into Mikel Arteta’s squad seemed an unlikely prospect.
“They’re challenging for titles,” Monlouis said. “And me, being at the stage of my career, I’d obviously have to bide my time and just wait my turn. There’s a lot of competition, a lot of good competition. They’ve got some of the best players in the world at Arsenal.”
Still, he holds no bitterness toward the club that developed him.
“They were very good to me. In all aspects. They really pushed me. I got opportunities to train with the men quite often. All the coaching staff, from top to bottom, from the younger ages all the way to the first team, they were all very good to me – all friendly, all welcoming. I definitely enjoyed my time at Arsenal, for sure.”
Now, Monlouis is focused on proving himself in MLS, describing himself as a calm, composed defender who thrives in building play from the back.
“I’d like to say I’m a leader. I like to communicate, just make sure people are in the right places to prevent things happening. But first and foremost I’d say I’m a good defender – athletic, strong, can put out fires when they need to be put out.”
Shortly after completing the transfer, Monlouis shared an emotional farewell message to Arsenal on Instagram, acknowledging the club where he spent over a decade.
“After 13 incredible years at Arsenal, it’s time for me to say my goodbyes,” Monlouis wrote. “These years have been some of the most memorable of my life, filled with unforgettable moments, challenges, and achievements.
“To my teammates, coaches, and all the staff thank you for your continued support and belief during my time at club.
“With saying that I believe it’s my time to move on and I am excited for what the future holds for me.”
His MLS debut came almost immediately, featuring in Toronto’s opening match of the season, a 2-2 draw with D.C. United, where he was subbed on in injury time.
For Monlouis, the challenge now is to prove himself in senior football, having taken the leap from academy football to first-team football in MLS. Unlike many young players who struggle to find opportunities after leaving elite European academies, he has landed in a league where he will get the minutes he craves.
His move represents more than just a transfer, it is a test of whether a player developed in one of Europe’s most demanding academies can now make the step up and establish himself at the senior level.
He’s certainly finding it tough. Toronto have lost every match since that opening day draw, shipping 10 goals in four games.