The 20-year-old completes the free transfer from Arsenal to Spain
–Perhaps Arsenal’s most surprising free transfer exit this summer, Joel Lopez was among a group of players released when their contracts ended in June.
charles watts reported as young Arsenal team-mate Lino Sousa made a huge impression on the club’s staff since joining in January, suggesting he might have led the Gunners to let Lopez go and free up chances instead.
Whatever the reason behind the decision not to extend the youngster’s contract, Lopez stayed on in search of a new club.
The defender has already completed his signing for the Spanish third division Leon Culturesign a one-year contract with a one-year extension option.
Write on Instagram, Lopez has said: “Happy to be here this year. So cute. Let’s go to culture!”
Dropping out of the divisions will likely give Lopez a chance to break into senior football on a regular basis, and he hopes it will help him rise to the next level.
Lopez scored two goals and assisted five from the left flank last season, a solid comeback including a goal against Premier League 2 title-winning Manchester City and an assist as Arsenal eliminated Chelsea from the EFL Trophy.
Still, he ultimately struggled to break into Arsenal’s first team, and moving to a club that can offer him those first-team opportunities is probably best for all parties.
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