Nigerian CB confirms Arsenal departure ahead of imminent Southampton move 

English-born Nigerian central defender Zach Awe has taken to social media to confirm that his time at Premier League club Arsenal has come to an end. 

The Hale End Academy graduate has agreed a transfer to Championship outfit Southampton, and only an official confirmation of the deal is pending. 

Awe was offered a new contract to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium but opted to move on to pastures new in search of first team opportunities, which Arsenal cannot offer him for the forthcoming season, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Rob Holding and Ben White ahead of him in manager Mikel Arteta's pecking order of centre-backs. 

He received his only call-up to the first team in a Premier League meeting against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February 2022 but was not utilized off the bench by manager Mikel Arteta.

Awe was on the books of Arsenal for a decade, rising through the ranks before signing his first professional contract in February 2021, 

The 19-year-old started his career at a local Sunday team and after a couple of seasons he was spotted by Crystal Palace, from where he moved to Arsenal at U8 level. 

Writing on Instagram on Monday night, Awe stated: "My time at Arsenal has come to an end.

"I would like to thank the players and staff that have supported me throughout my journey at Arsenal. During my 10 years at the club I have learnt so much about myself as a player and a person.

"However, I feel that it is my time to move on and I am excited about the journey ahead."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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