Arsenal agree permanent transfer of central defender

There may be plenty of football to sink our teeth into with Arsenal competing in three different competitions this January, but transfers will also dominate the month.

With Arsenal bidding farewell to four members of their squad until possibly as late as February, AFCON may impact what Mikel Arteta and co do in the market as other departures could take place to force action.

The same applies to Kevin Betsy who could see a number of his academy stars move out either on loan or in permanent deals, many of whom are attracting admiring glances with some impressive performances away from north London.

One of those is Harry Clarke, who joined Ross County back in the summer on a loan deal and has been in fine form since. The centre-back has been on a season-long loan at Ross County, making 17 appearances and winning the club’s Player of the Month back in November.

https://twitter.com/HarryyClarke6/status/1452285552036913152

Arsenal agree to loan deal for Harry Clarke to join Hibernian that will then become a permanent transfer at the end of the season

However, the 20-year-old has been recalled from his temporary move in Dingwall and is instead to move on to fellow Scottish side Hibernian, reports the Scottish Sun as well as other outlets.

Reports are that the Edinburgh outfit will retain his services until May and what is only described as a loan, but with Clarke’s contract at Arsenal expiring in the summer it will be that the temporary switch will be with a view to a permanent move.

Ross County boss Malky Mackay admitted defeat in keeping the player:

"“Although we are disappointed to be losing Harry, I would like to thank him for his contribution in the last six months and I think he has become an even more rounded player in that time,” he said."

Clarke has never made a competitive appearance for Arsenal but did travel up with the senior squad to Scotland for pre-season training, where coincidentally he featured against Hibernian.

It’s a fine move for the player, joining Shaun Maloney’s side who currently sit fifth in the Scottish Premiership, just seven points behind Hearts in third, although there was some belief that Clarke had what it took to make more of an impact at Arsenal.

Perhaps not quite as technically proficient as Arteta might be wanting, it does appear that with no talk of a contract extension that the club are willing to lose him permanently and free up space in the squad.