Omari Hutchinson has reflected on the end of his “beautiful journey” at Arsenal after he opted to move to neighbours Chelsea.
Hutchinson, 18, has been with the Gunners since 2015 and has been tipped as a star of the future due to his showings for the development sides. The forward was an integral part of the Under 23s last term, scoring six times and registering as many assists for his team-mates.
His performances earned him regular call-ups to Mikel Arteta’s senior side, although he failed to make an appearance. But after the signing of Brazilian youngster Marquinhos promised to push him further down the pecking order, he opted to swap the Emirates for Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s head of recruitment Jim Fraser has predicted that the youngster could “make a quick impression in the senior game” with Thomas Tuchel proving he is happy to give chances to emerging talents.
Hutchinson has now taken to social media to pay tribute to the club which has helped him develop into the player he is today: “Dear fans, it’s time to say goodbye,” the message begins.
“My experience with Arsenal has been a fantastic and memorable one. I will always remember my time here and the beautiful journey it has taken me on. This will be one to remember and never to forget.
“Arsenal made me feel most welcomed and respected, so huge thank you to all the staff and coaches and my team-mates – it’s been a real pleasure.
“Lastly, a colossal thank you to all the Arsenal fans who have supported and shown me love. Words cannot describe how I value, respect and love you all!”
The departure will serve as a blow for Arteta, who is intending on using the fringe members of his squad in the Europa League. A report from the Sun said the likes of Hutchinson, Miguel Azeez and Charlie Patino could be thrown into action in the tournament, with Arsenal back in European competition after being absent last season.
The Gunners boss is continuing to add to his squad however, having already signed Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus in addition to Marquinhos. Zinchenko now looks set to become their latest signing after agreeing to pay £30million for the versatile Manchester City star.
There is now hope that a deal could be completed in the early part of next week, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. Arteta has previously worked with the Ukrainian at City and will now have the choice of playing him at full-back or in his preferred central midfield role.
HAVE YOUR SAY! How would you rate Arsenal's summer transfer business so far? Let us know in the comments
And the capture of Zinchenko has been hailed as one of the signings of the summer, arriving as an instant upgrade to Arteta’s options in midfield. “I think this could be one of the signings of the summer and I don’t like to say that because I’m a Spurs supporter,” Darren Ambrose told talkSPORT.
“£30million for Zinchenko, [Kieran] Tierney has his issues with injury so he’s more than adequate cover, but I think he’ll be going into midfield and I think it improves Arsenal’s midfield.
“When you watch him for Ukraine he plays in midfield, he gives you that bite, he’s clearly a leader as well, he’s clearly a good character. Mikel Arteta knows him from Manchester City so they’ve got a good relationship, Gabriel Jesus is already there.
“£30million in today’s climate is a good price for a player I feel will go straight into Arsenal’s first team.”
