Arsenal starlet Mark McGuinness joins Cardiff on permanent transfer with 20-year-old latest youngster to leave

Published

22nd June 2021

ARSENAL have allowed another youngster to depart the club as Cardiff City confirmed the signing of Mark McGuiness.

The 20-year-old defender has penned a three-year contract with Mick McCarthy’s Championship side.

Cardiff have announced the signing of Mark McGuiness from Arsenal

That brings an end to the Republic of Ireland youth international’s decade at the North London club.

He becomes the second signing for the Bluebirds this summer with Irish striker James Collins arriving from Luton Town.

McGuiness spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town in League One.

Now he is looking forward to the challenge of helping Cardiff try and return to the Premier League after sealing his Arsenal exit.

Speaking to Cardiff City TV, he said: “As soon as a Club like Cardiff City were interested I was excited and I couldn’t miss this opportunity.

“It’s nice to get everything sorted early on and hopefully I can meet the boys and get going.

“My job is to stop the ball going into the back of the net. I love heading and I love defending.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn and improve in the next few years at the club.”

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McGuiness failed to make a senior appearance for the Gunners but was a regular for their youth sides.

Fellow Arsenal U23 players Trae Coyle and Zech Medley are also leaving the Emirates.

Winger Coyle, 20, has joined Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport.

Meanwhile fellow 20-year-old centre-back Medley has signed for KV Oostende in the Belgian top flight.

Arsenal have not disclosed what fees they received for the three starlets.

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