Arsenal are preparing for some festive football action when they play host to Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners will be looking to string together back-to-back wins in the Premier League, though they take on some familiar faces.
One of those is Omari Hutchinson, who came through the Arsenal academy before he left to join Chelsea and then Ipswich.
While he has been a key player for the Tractor Boys, he’s not the only former Arsenal player who could have a say in proceedings.
Harry Clarke set for Arsenal return against Ipswich
Another player who was once on the books at Arsenal is Harry Clarke, who featured through the academy ranks.
The 23-year-old was picked up from Ipswich in 2015, with the young defender viewed as a promising option for the future.
He spent eight years with the Gunners, with a few different loan spells to help him progress into the player he is now, eventually leaving in 2023 under Mikel Arteta.
Speaking on his exit from Arsenal, Clarke said: “Where do I start.. Arsenal football club has been such a huge part of my life. I’ve been here for 8 years now and I’ve grown both as a player and a person.
“I’ve had some incredible experiences, played with some world class players and met some amazing people along the way. I can’t thank the club enough for the opportunity to represent one of the best clubs in the world.
“I want to wish everyone at Arsenal all the very best for the season and hopefully we see a league title at the end of it in May. However, it’s now time for the next chapter in my career. Once a Gunner…”
With promotion earned at Ipswich, Clarke could now look to get some revenge against his old side in a big return.
As Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene are both injured, he is likely to start at right-back for the Tractor Boys at the Emirates Stadium.
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Harry Clarke’s career so far
Clarke’s career has been largely defined by loans so far, helping him to develop while spending his time in the Arsenal academy.
However, with a switch to Ipswich, there is a long-term plan to make himself the first-choice option in the backline.
Whether that’s as a right-back or a centre-back, it remains to be seen, but there is plenty more growth that could be had.
- Arsenal (2015-2023)
- Oldham (loan, 2020-2021)
- Ross County (loan, 2021-2022)
- Hibernian (loan, 2022)
- Stoke (loan, 2022-2023)
- Ipswich (2023-Present)
His career is still being built at senior level and the return to his old side will be one of his biggest tests yet.
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