The midfielder left Arsenal for Newcastle during the summer window.
Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has admitted that he knew that it was time to leave Arsenal when he found out that Jack Wilshere had agreed to leave the Emirates on loan in the summer, the Chronicle reports.
The 21-year-old had been with the Gunners since 2008, having come through the youth ranks with the club. However, he left for the Magpies during the summer before he was able to make a Premier League appearance for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden and Huddersfield Town’s Nahki Wells in action
And he explained how hearing of Wilshere’s loan switch to Bournemouth provided something of a wake-up call regarding his chances of making an impact for Arsenal.
“I was a player who was in or around the squad, I wanted to get away from that. I want to develop,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere
“Even Jack Wilshere had to go on loan as he’s not getting opportunities at Arsenal.
“So if he can’t get them when he’s an England senior international then I had no hope.
“I noticed that quite early on in pre-season and looked to rectify it, and Newcastle was an amazing option for me and I jumped at the chance.”
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Arsenal’s loss however, has very much been Newcastle’s gain this season. The England under-21 international has been hugely influential in helping Rafael Benitez’s men make a great start to life in the Championship.
Hayden has featured in all but two of Newcastle’s league games this term. And his frequent presence just in front of the defence has helped them keep the second-best defensive record in the division, which, in turn, has seen them go top of the table.
And if the side continue their blistering form in the coming months, it is likely that Hayden will finally get his chance in the top flight.
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