Arsenal confirm exits of Ryo Miyaichi and Semi Ajayi

Arsenal has announced that out-of-contract duo Ryo Miyaichi and Semi Ajayi have both now permanently left the club.

Japan international Miyaichi, who made seven appearances in all competitions during four years at the Emirates Stadium but saw his development largely stunted by injury problems, has opted to sign a three-year deal with 2 Bundesliga outfit St Pauli having spent last season at FC Twente.

Central defender Ajayi, meanwhile, has been snapped up by Cardiff City until 2017. The 21-year-old was loaned to the Championship side for two months at the end of 2014/15 and evidently did enough to impress manager Russell Slade despite not making a single first-team appearance.

"Pleased to have signed for @CardiffCityFC. So excited to get playing and I look forward to contributing to the club's future success #CCFC," the Nigerian U21 tweeted after Cardiff confirmed his return on its official website.

"Thanks to everyone @Arsenal for everything. Spent an amazing two years there and I wish all those connected with the club the very best."

While both players were obviously deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal, the club were quick to offer thanks for their respective efforts.

It said: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank both Ryo and Semi for their contributions to the club, and wish them well for their future careers."

The Gunners has yet to add to its squad this summer, but the latest reports suggest that Chelsea stalwart Petr Cech could be on the verge of completing a move to North London as he seeks to play regular Premier League football once more following a frustrating year playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation from Turkey also claims that Arsenal's current first-choice goalkeeper, Colombian David Ospina, could join Fenerbahce shortly, with Wojciech Szczesny likely be retained despite having lost his starting berth.