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.
A segment of his Instagram post reads: "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."Now that his contract with Arsenal has officially ended, he is keen for a fresh challenge away from north London.
Crystal Palace are the frontrunners in the race to sign the 18-year-old as he was one of several players to feature for Palace's youth sides during this pre-season, following the recent decision to grant the academy a Category 1 status.
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