Arsenal have reached an agreement with Newcastle to part ways with Isaac Hayden, Sky Sources are reporting.
Hayden has come through the youth academy at Arsenal but has had varying amounts of success during his loan deals. Hayden can play as a central defender or defensive midfielder but it seems Arsenal have decided he does not have the potential to play for the first team in the future.
Hayden will sign a 5-year deal at Newcastle after Arsenal accepted a bid in the region of £2.5million.
The 21-year-old featured in a handful of league cup games for the Gunners but never managed to play in the Premier League. During his loan spell at Hull City last season he was in and out of the team, but showed quality on occasions. He could certainly be a useful addition to Newcastle’s squad at £2.5million because he is young and versatile.
I personally enjoyed watching Hayden as a youth player, he is a passionate footballer that will continue to work hard to improve and aged just 21 I’m sure he can develop into a player at least worthy to start for a Championship side. He is good on the ball, something which saw him move from a centre back in his early days at the club, to more of a defensive midfielder. He is quite laboured in possession and reminds me a bit of Alex Song. For him to progress now it would be good if he focuses on improving in one position, that will probably be in midfield. He needs to improve his range of passing and perhaps composure and then he would be a solid option at the base of midfield. He’s English too, so I really hope he does manage to progress, despite Arsenal agreeing to let him go.
Fresh Arsenal would like to wish Isaac all the best in the future, he certainly has the ingredients to make a decent career out of his ability.