ARSENAL academy graduate Dan Casey has confirmed his exit from Arsenal after ten years at the club.
Casey, 18, actually left the Gunners in the summer after turning down the chance to sign a professional contract with the club, but has now made his decision official.
In a statement, the midfielder wrote: “After over ten years at Arsenal, I can finally announce that I have decided to leave.
“It was not an easy decision for me to make but one that I feel is crucial to progress my career and take the next step
“I want to thank the many members of staff and team-mates that have helped me to become the player and person I am today, I look forward to what comes next in my career.”
Casey has been on trial with Fulham since January and looks set to join the Cottagers on a permanent basis after making six Premier League 2 appearances for their Under-21 side.
The teenage talent had been close to joining Crystal Palace in September of last year, but a deal ultimately fell through.
Casey was part of the same academy team as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, but has left in search of a different path to first-team action.
He was one of Arsenal’s standout players in the academy last season, scoring 18 goals in 21 appearances in the U18 Premier League.
Mikel Arteta has given first-team debuts to six different teenagers this season as Arsenal continue to lean into their Hale End academy.
Andre Harriman-Annous, Marli Salmon, Brando Bailey-Joseph, Jaden Dixon, Ife Ibrahim and Max Dowman have all made their senior bows this term.
However, more established youth players have found minutes more difficult to come by.
Lewis-Skelly has made just one Premier League start this season, despite having been a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s team last season.
Meanwhile, Nwaneri was sent on loan to Marseille in January after not making a single league start for the Gunners in the first half of the season.
Lewis-Skelly has even been linked with a permanent exit in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Manchester United are interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer.