The Premier League have confirmed that Arsenal did offer Alexei Rojas a new contract, with the player turning that offer down to leave the club and become a free agent.
The Premier League recently released their ‘retained lists’, confirming which players Arsenal and other Premier League clubs intend to keep beyond June 30th.
Arsenal had already named youth goalkeeper Alexei Rojas on their released list, but the Premier League’s update confirms that the Gunners did make the goalkeeper a contract offer prior to letting him go.
The news effectively verifies Rojas’ suggestion on Instagram that it was his decision to leave, rather than one imposed on him by the club.
“I am incredibly pleased to have spent 8 years at Arsenal Football Club,” Rojas wrote. “Progressing through from the academy to the first team. Every step of the journey has taught me about what it takes to perform as an elite athlete, on and off the pitch.
“It has been a true privilege to work with so many elite people across the years. I extend my gratitude to all of the coaching staff, performance & medical teams, chefs, ground staff, security team, and everybody involved with Arsenal.
“This club has helped shape me as a player, and as a person. I will always be grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and memories that I’ve gained here.
“And to the Arsenal fans, thank you for your unwavering support, passion, and love for the club. Wearing this badge has been a privilege, and hearing your encouragement every step of the way is something I’ll never forget.
“I have decided to take the best step for my career and begin a new stage in my professional journey, with new challenges ahead of me. Great things are achieved by taking bold risks. This club will forever be in my heart.
“Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Thank you, Arsenal ❤️”
Rojas essentially had a role as a training goalkeeper with the Arsenal first team for most of this season, rarely playing academy matches but often joining Mikel Arteta’s side for practice sessions.
To sum it up, Rojas made as many appearances in the Arsenal senior squad as the u21 squad in 2025/26, making the bench for the Champions League game against Slavia Praha, and appearing for the u21s in an EFL Trophy fixture against Cardiff City.
Though that was partly because the goalkeeper was away with Colombia for the u20 World Cup throughout October, it was also simply the case that Arsenal preferred to use Rojas in senior training than in academy fixtures.
Even so, over the course of his career, Rojas played 21 times for the Arsenal u18s, u19s, and u21s. He’ll now be on the hunt for a new club this summer.
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