Joel Lopez confirms departure from Barcelona ahead of Arsenal move

The Barca youngster has been long linked with a move to the North London club.

Around one month ago, Goal reported that Arsenal were close to complete the signing of Barcelona starlet Joel Lopez, after the youngster turned down a new contract at Barcelona. Now, the youngster has confirmed his Barcelona exit.

The 15-year old left-back is at Barcelona since the age of 7. According to reports in Spain, the Joel Lopez is an attacking full-back.

Goal reported that Raul Sanhelli, Arsenal’s head of football relations has played a part in luring the youngster. Sanhelli was formerly with Barcelona. Arsenal would only need to pay training compensation to complete the signing of Lopez, according to Goal.

Joel Lopez announced his Barcelona exit on his official Instagram account.

Ha llegado el día de despedirme de lo que ha sido mi casa estos últimos 7 años. Gracias al FCBarcelona, será el club que siempre lleve en el corazón por momentos maravillosos que he vivido con mis Compañeros, Fisios, Entrenadores, Delegados, Directivos.. Gente magnífica que ha hecho sentirme acogido desde el primer día. Ha sido una decisión difícil pero tras contemplarla junto a mi familia he tomado la decisión de marchar y comenzar una nueva etapa como futbolista con mucha ilusión. Gracias a todos los que habéis estado ahí siempre ¡Visca el Barça!🔵🔴

A post shared by J O E L L Ó P E Z (@joel_5_ls) on Jul 9, 2018 at 11:13am PDT

“The day has come to say goodbye to what has been my home these last 7 years,” Lopez told his followers on Instagram. “Thanks to Barcelona, ​​it will be the club that I always carry in my heart for wonderful moments that I have lived with my friends, coaches, delegates, executives,” Lopez wrote.

“Magnificent people who have made me feel welcome from the first day. It was a difficult decision but after contemplating it with my family I made the decision to go and start a new stage as a footballer with great enthusiasm. Thanks to all who have been there always Visca Barca!” he states.