Released Arsenal forward finds new club quickly | OneFootball

Khayon Edwards will sign for Estoril after ending 17-year Arsenal journey

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Khayon Edwards will sign for Estoril Praia on a free transfer, completing a swift move following his release from Arsenal earlier this summer.

The 21-year-old forward, one of the longest-serving players in Arsenal’s academy system, impressed during a short trial with Estoril’s under-23 squad. The Portuguese club have moved quickly to offer him a permanent contract, and the deal has now been finalised, according to reports in Portugal, although the move is not yet official.

It will be Edwards’ first experience outside English football.

A product of Arsenal’s Hale End system, Edwards joined the club in 2008 aged five and progressed through every age group. He scored 12 goals and contributed three assists in 21 matches for the under-21s during the 2024–25 season, including key goals in both Premier League 2 play-off ties. That form earned him a nomination for the league’s Player of the Season award.

Despite his development and consistent scoring record – 26 goals and six assists in 57 appearances for Arsenal’s under-21s – the club opted not to offer him a contract extension. His departure was expected, with interest from clubs in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Portugal, where he seems set to land.

A brief loan spell at Leyton Orient in early 2024 offered Edwards senior minutes but few highlights; he featured in seven matches without registering a goal or assist. Still, Arsenal’s staff remained positive about his potential, and he trained regularly with Mikel Arteta’s first team. He was also named on the bench for senior Europa League matches against Bodø/Glimt and PSV Eindhoven in 2022.

Born in England but capped at youth level by Jamaica, Edwards is viewed as a versatile attacking option who can operate centrally or on either wing. Estoril are expected to use him as a rotational forward in the coming campaign, and the move offers a clean slate in a league increasingly targeted by English clubs for player development.

The decision to join Estoril comes as the Cascais-based side look to reinforce ahead of pre-season. Edwards’ agents see the deal as a good fit, while the club are confident the player’s experience at a Premier League academy will translate well to Portugal’s top flight.