Arsenal confirm January transfer exit as defender leaves on permanent deal

Arsenal defender Harry Clarke has been recalled from his loan spell at Stoke and has joined Ipswich Town on a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old has made 20 appearances for the Potters this season, scoring two goals for the club.

After rising through the ranks at Hale End, Clarke has had loan spells away at Oldham, and Scottish sides Ross County and Hibernian. However, he has been unable to break into the Arsenal first team.

The Englishman has now decided to make the permanent switch to his boyhood team, Ipswich Town, who he played for at academy level before joining Arsenal at the age of 15.

Clarke: It's nice to be home

Clarke has signed a three and a half year contract with the League One side, who currently sit third in the division.

Speaking to iFollow Ipswich, Clarke explained the reasons for joining Town, outlining his objections.

"I’ve already had family and friends who have had an inkling. When it's out, it’s going to be nice to be officially be back home, but there are a lot of reasons for my decision," he said.

"Part of it was obviously coming home. The manager mentioned that in recent history there's not been many promotions so to be a homegrown player at my boyhood club and potentially get one was a big part of it.

"Also, there’s the trajectory of the Club with the new owners and the manager. The style of play has been amazing this year so to come and be part of that is another main reason.

"Speaking to the manager a few times swayed my decision. It is my home team but it was also a tough decision, leaving a club like Arsenal behind. After speaking to him, it's solidified that decision and I'm glad I made it."

Clarke went on to discuss what supporters can expect to see from him in a Town shirt.

"The fans can expect passion," he added.

"That's a given even if I wasn’t at Ipswich. No matter what club I’m at, I give everything on the pitch. I’m good on the ball, I’m quick and powerful. I’m good at defending and I’ll hopefully get the odd goal as well."

When asked to sum up his aims for the season in one word, Clarke replied: "Promotion."