Arsenal have lost one of their most promising youngsters after it was confirmed on Saturday that he would be joining London rivals, Chelsea.
According to a report first released by The Secret Scout, Omari Hutchinson rejected a contract proposal from the Gunners in favour of a fresh start across the capital.
Later on Friday morning the reliable Fabrizio Romano confirmed the reports that the 18-year-old was packing his bags, after confirming that talks collapsed at Arsenal.
With many wondering how Arsenal could let go of such a talented individual, Chris Wheatley then later issued a tweet stating that Chelsea were willing to offer a lot more money.
It’s a familiar act of behaviour from the Arsenal negotiation team who have been reluctant to pay over the odds in many instances this summer, with Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez deals ending due to them knowing their limit on funds.
But ultimately this move may have sped up due to the recent decision not to take Hutchinson on the pre-season tour to the US.
Reuell Walters was the only youngster picked by Arteta, largely due to the fact that so many deadwood first-team players were needed in order to try and advertise themselves a move away from the club.
A regular and household name in the Arsenal Academy, Hutchinson has gone from strength to strength since joining the club as a 12-year-old back in 2015.
Since then, the forward has picked up 18 appearances in Premier League 2, bagging himself six goals and as many assists in the process.
Hutchinson then began to really get noticed when Mikel Arteta started to add him to first-team training, where he then went on to find home on the bench in the Premier League.
Nobody at Arsenal will state they aren’t bothered to lose Hutchinson, but his decision looks to be purely based on financial benefit with Chelsea willing to offer something we didn’t want to.
Hutchinson can see there’s a pathway to this Arsenal team, with Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all shining examples of how first-team football can become a fast reality.
Whether he’ll get that chance at a club like Chelsea remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt this is a big loss for Arsenal who continue to produce talent out Hale End.