Crystal Palace Target Alfie Matthews Confirms He's Leaving Arsenal

Arsenal youth striker Alfie Matthews has announced he is leaving the club on Instagram, with Crystal Palace one such club linked with his signature.

Matthews, another of Arsenal's Hale End academy graduates, impressed with some excellent performances with the Under-18s, scoring five goals in 15 appearances, before the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to his season. He also starred on a few occasions in the FA Youth Cup.

A versatile player who can play as a centre forward as well as anywhere else behind the main striker, the 18-year-old was named on the bench for a Premier League 2 match earlier in the campaign but did not end up playing.

View this post on Instagram

It is with great sadness today that I say my farewells to @arsenal For the best part of my youth I have been lucky enough to play for Arsenal FC and I have grown as a player and a person. Playing for Arsenal has been a great honour and I have learned a great deal. I have had some amazing opportunities and for that I will always be grateful. It was 11 years ago that I put pen to paper and have never looked back until this day. Today is where I start my new journey. I want to say a massive thank you, to all the staff that have helped me during my time at the club. I also want to say a huge thank you to the teammates I have played alongside over the years. I have made some lifelong friends at the club and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. The memories we have shared over the years will be with me forever. Finally it has been an honour to wear the famous red and white shirt, and I will truly miss you all.

A post shared by Footballer For Arsenal (@alfiematthews9) on Sep 4, 2020 at 7:59am PDT

Football Insider did state back in January that Newcastle had opened talks with Arsenal to sign Matthews but transferring across London rather than up north could appeal more to the youngster, who will need time to settle into his new surroundings.

Source : 90min