‘Joy to watch’, ‘baller’: Some Arsenal fans react as ‘quality’ 19-year-old leaves on loan

Add as preferred source on Google

A number of Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter after Gunners academy ace Matt Smith sealed a season-long loan move away from the Emirates Stadium.

The 19-year-old midfielder came through the ranks at Hale End after joining Arsenal’s Under-9s, and signed his first professional Gunners contract in February 2019.

Smith captained Arsenal’s Under-18s to the Premier League South title in 2018-19, playing every minute for his side, and was a regular in the Under-23s last season.

He also trained frequently with the Arsenal first-team and has made the matchday squad on six occasions, including in the FA Cup final, where he got his hands on a winners’ medal.

Smith links up with Swindon Town, who will ply their trade in League One this season after being declared champions of League Two in 2019-20 on Points Per Game.

He is the third Arsenal academy gem to seal a loan switch to the English third tier this summer, with teammates Zech Medley and Trae Coyle set to turn out for Gillingham.

Here is what some Gunners fans have been saying on social media about Smith’s switch to the County Ground: