DONE DEAL: Sparta Rotterdam beat competition to sign Arsenal youngster Omar Rekik | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Omar Rekik has joined Sparta Rotterdam for the 2022/23 season.

The 20 year-old defender, who joined Arsenal from Hertha Berlin in January 2021, made 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season.

During his youth, Rekik spent time with Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven and Marseille.

Speaking about the signing, Rotterdam director technical director Gerard Nijkamp told his club's official website: "Omar is well regarded as a talent at Arsenal, but it is not easy to break through there.

"He trained with the first team, but it is important for his development to make minutes at the highest level, a chance that is greater at Sparta.

"Omar is a central defender who is strong in football, but also leads the way in battle and does not shy away from duels. There was a lot of competition to attract him, but we are happy that he chose Sparta."