Joel Lopez has taken to Instagram to confirm he is leaving Arsenal – posting a heartfelt message to the club saying he will always be a Gooner. He also hints at an imminent move, saying “see you soon”.
Arsenal published their retained list on Friday. They confirm that Alex Lacazette has gone, after confirmation of a return to Lyon, while Eddie Nketiah remains out of contract but talks are ongoing over an extension.
The club also say that three players from the club’s academy departing. Lopez is one of those – alongside Jonathan Dinzeyi and Jordan McEneff – after four years in North London with the club’s academy.
Lopez joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2018 but has not lived up to the hype. He leaves on a free transfer four years later, without managing a single senior appearance. He posted on Instagram.
Lopez confirms he is leaving Arsenal on a free transfer
It is an intriguing one. Lopez, a Spain youth international, was the subject of hype when he came to the club from Barcelona. Obviously, there have been numerous Arsenal stars to come in from the La Masia academy.
Cesc Fabregas, Hector Bellerin, for example. But Lopez is some way off that level. He has appeared on the Gunners bench, and been a regular for the 23’s during 21-22 – playing 24 times, and having a hand in six goals.
He was even photographed in first-team training only recently, ahead of the 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, he failed to even make the senior bench on one occasions this season.
But he is now leaving the club on a free transfer. His comments on Instagram suggest that he is set to join a new club sooner rather than later. Perhaps a return to Spain, or a lower-league English side.
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