Arsenal: Gunners confirm Isaac Hayden has joined Newcastle United on five-year deal

Arsenal have confirmed they have sold Isaac Hayden to Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract at S James' Park after an impressive spell on loan in the Championship with Hull City last season.

Hayden, who can operate in both defence and midfield, leaves the Gunners after just two appearances for the first-team, despite a promising rise through the youth ranks that saw him made captain of the Under-21 side.

"Newcastle is a massive football club and to be given the opportunity to come here and progress my career is fantastic," Hayden told Newcastle's official website.

"Being at Arsenal was a great experience, I learnt a lot there and have a lot to thank them for, but I needed to move on and so when Newcastle came in for me I jumped at the chance.

"I am still young but I want to get as many games under my belt as I can and help the team bounce back to the Premier League."

Hayden becomes the third player to leave the Gunners this summer following the releases of Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky. Wojciech Szczesny could join that list, with it now looking like he could rejoin Roma next season.

The 26-year-old Poland international joined the Giallorossi on loan last season where he became the club's No1 choice in goal. While he has remained unsure on what the future holds, the Mail report Roma are keen to bring him back for another spell in the Italian capital.

Roma today (Monday 11 July) unveiled new signing Allison, the goalkeeper who was thought to be a possible replacement for the Gunners shot stopper. The Brazilian however suggested in a press conference he will be going head-to-head with Szczesny next season, rather than taking his spot outright.

He told Roma's official website: "It's not a big problem for me. He's [Szczesny] a great goalkeeper, he has done well at Roma and I'm sure there will be healthy competition between us. I am very focused on my job and I'm happy to be here. I don't give importance to what happens away from the pitch. I'm here to prove my worth to the coach, the fans and those who trusted in me and wanted me here."