An Arsenal academy graduate who has been on the books in North London for 13 years has announced that he will leave the club this summer.
Kido Taylor-Hart was spotted by a Gunners scout as a seven-year-old and progressed through the club's youth system at London Colney, shining in the 2020-21 season for the Under-18s.
That year, Taylor-Hart recorded six goals and four assists in 11 Under-18 Premier League appearances, as well as scoring four times in 13 Premier League 2 matches for the club's Under-21s.
The winger penned his first professional Arsenal contract in 2021 after being invited to train with the first team, but he never made a senior matchday squad under Mikel Arteta and was also hampered by injuries.
Taylor-Hart spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan with Derby County, registering one goal in nine games for their Under-21s, and he posted an identical tally for National League side Bromley this season.
Out of contract this summer, the 21-year-old confirmed on social media on Tuesday that his time at Arsenal would be coming to an end, paying tribute to the Gunners for overseeing his development.
"First I'd like to thank all the staff, coaches, fans and players at arsenal that have shown me love and helped me in my 13 years at this Amazing Club I appreciate it more than I can explain," Taylor-Hart wrote.
"The Club has quite literally seen me grow up and go from a boy to a man❤️saying that it's time to move on and I'm exited for what the future of my career holds.🙏🏼"
Which other academy graduates could leave Arsenal this summer?
While Taylor-Hart will depart without making a senior appearance for Arsenal, some of his fellow academy graduates who have forged relatively successful Gunners careers are being tipped to follow him out of the door.
All of Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe have only played bit-part roles for Arteta this season and are believed to be on the chopping block, as the North London giants bid to raise funds for Newcastle United pair Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.
In addition, goalkeeping duo Karl Hein and Arthur Okonkwo are yet to be offered new contracts and could leave as free agents this summer, while negotiations are yet to bear fruit with the camp of winger Amario Cozier-Duberry.
It has also been reported that highly-rated defender Reuell Walters will bid farewell to the club in the upcoming transfer window, having refused the club's offer of a new contract.
Ben Knapton
