Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

Arsenal summer exit confirmed as Mikel Arteta and Edu make decision on Hale End talent

Arsenal youngster Zach Awe will leave the club this summer on a free transfer, according to recent reports.

Mike McGrath of the Telegraph has reported that the young defender, who has been a regular for the Gunners' Under-21 side this season, will be allowed to leave the club when his contract expires in a few weeks' time as he looks for a place to play regularly at senior level. Writing on Twitter, McGrath said: "Arsenal centre-back Zach Awe, 19, to leave club this summer for regular senior football.

"Teenager has been in matchday squads but allowed to leave when contract expires, similar situation to Charlie Patino who will depart. Awe has not been on loan but interest from Championship."

READ MORE: Barcelona hand Mikel Arteta dream Arsenal striker transfer chance with bargain £17m summer offer

The Athletic initially reported that the aforementioned Patino was likely to leave this summer, with the north London club open to facilitating the young midfielder's summer departure. Patino is said to be unwilling to settle for another loan spell and instead seek stability with a permanent role elsewhere.

football.london has come to learn that it is very much a timing issue that has befallen the talented teenager as Arsenal look to strengthen their midfield options during the summer transfer window, unable to offer the Hale End academy graduate the minutes he required to develop. In terms of potential midfield incomings, West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains top of the Gunners' transfer wishlist, football.london understands.

Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers in recent years and he has made it no secret of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League, a competition Mikel Arteta's side will play in next term. “One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” he said back in November.

“For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.

"I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”

READ NEXT:

The Champions League rule changes to affect Arsenal next season as UEFA announces new format

Emile Smith Rowe's role foreshadowed and what it could mean for Declan Rice to Arsenal transfer

Mikel Arteta handed new Arsenal transfer budget as Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo lead revamp

Arsenal handed £95m Declan Rice setback as Mikel Arteta gets Pep Guardiola transfer green light

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: £95m Declan Rice bid, James Maddison move, Joao Cancelo twist

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.