Arsenal have confirmed that centre-back Dan Ballard will leave the club on loan to spend the 2020/21 season with Blackpool in League One.
It has been specified by Blackpool that he will be with the club until January 2021.
The 21-year-old has excelled in the Arsenal Academy, so much so that he has already gone on to represent Northern Ireland at senior level.
League One is proving to be a popular destination for Arsenal loanees this season with Tyreece John-Jules at Doncaster Rovers, Matt Smith at Swindon Town and Zech Medley and Trae Coyle both at Gillingham.
"I’m over the moon to be here and really excited to get started," Ballard told Blackpool's official website on securing the move.
"It’s a great opportunity to play for a Club like Blackpool, and I’m really determined to do well here. I will offer 100% and will be aggressive and play for the shirt.
"As a young player, it’s important you grasp every opportunity you are given, and I will be doing everything I can to help this team push on and be successful whilst I am here."
This won't be the centre-back's first foray on loan as he spent the opening stages of the 2019/20 season at Swindon before injury cut his time with the Robins short.
Blackpool manager Daniel Critchley also spoke on the signing.
"Daniel [Ballard] is a talented and commanding defender who will add a great deal to the group," he said.
“He’s gained a good football education developing through the age groups in Arsenal’s Academy, going on to captain their U23 side. He also has experience on the international stage, rising through the youth levels with Northern Ireland to go on and gain full international caps.
“In coming to Blackpool, he is now ready for the next stage of his career. We are pleased to have him here and look forward to working with him during his time here.”
