Arsenal Midfielder Preparing For Summer Exit

Arsenal midfielder Conor Henderson has revealed he will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires as he has been unable to break into the first team after suffering ongoing injury problems.

Henderson had looked a future prospect for the Gunners when he made his full debut for the senior side two years ago, but injuries have left the Ireland Under 21 international lacking in first team experience.

And with his current deal coming to an end in the summer, Henderson says he will look for a side where he can develop into the player he was once more.

"I've not played at Arsenal's first team this season, so it's the right thing to leave when my contract expires in the summer," he told the Irish Examiner.

"I've been with the club since my childhood but, like most of the Arsenal youngsters over the years, I need a move to get football.

"At my age, I have to be playing regularly and I can't get that at Arsenal, only U21 matches. I've been training with the first-team every day until the injury struck. Since I've come back, that's only happened once.

"It's been a difficult few months but I'm optimistic about starting fresh at another club. Even Robbie Brady had to depart Manchester United for a new challenge and he'll say he's happy playing week in, week out at Hull."

Henderson also confirmed he has been speaking to other sides about a move, saying: "My agent has already received interest from a few clubs."

While the Arsenal youngster was unable to contribute a great deal to the side, he was appreciated by the fans, who saw his lack of game time as a result of bad luck rather than a lack of ability.