7 Former Arsenal Academy Graduates Currently Without a Club.

 

7 Arsenal academy graduates You Won’t believe are currently without a club Football’s wild even top talents from Arsenal’s famed system can hit career bumps. Check out these names, their last clubs, and what they’ve been up to. See also: Rüdiger, Vinicius Jr, Mbappé and Ceballos will be available to play VS Arsenal!

Benik Afobe Last Known Club: Al-Mesaimeer (Qatari Second Division), contract expired. Career Notes: A highly-rated prospect in his youth, Afobe represented England at multiple youth international levels and scored prolifically in the Championship (57 goals in 217 games). His Premier League record was less impressive (10 goals in 63 games), and after playing for 12 clubs including stints at Wolves, Bournemouth, and DR Congo’s national team he’s now a free agent seeking his next move.

Gilles Sunu Last Known Club: LB Châteauroux (France), last featured in 2023. Career Notes: Sunu made his Arsenal first-team debut in the 2009-10 season, appearing in the League Cup and Champions League. After leaving Arsenal, he played for clubs like Derby County, Lorient, and Angers. His status is uncertain, with no recorded activity since 2023, leaving open the question of whether he has retired.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas Last Known Club: Greenock Morton (Scotland), contract terminated. Career Notes: Once tipped for a bright future, Emmanuel-Thomas had a nomadic career across multiple clubs in England and Scotland. His contract with Greenock Morton ended amid legal troubles he’s awaiting trial in May 2025 for cannabis importation which may be impacting his ability to secure a new club.

Luke Freeman Last Known Club: Barnet (National League), out of contract since summer 2024. Career Notes: Freeman became the youngest player to feature in the FA Cup at 15 before joining Arsenal. Despite never breaking into Arsenal’s first team, he made over 100 appearances for Stevenage, Bristol City, and Queens Park Rangers. At 33, he’s been a free agent since leaving Barnet.

Andre Blackman Last Known Club: Dulwich Hamlet (non-league), last recorded in 2023. Career Notes: Blackman’s journey took him through Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, and West Ham academies before settling into lower-tier football. In late 2024, he was charged with grievous bodily harm following a street brawl, which could be a factor in his current lack of a club.

Adebayo Fapetu Last Known Club: Derby County, left in 2024 without renewing his deal. Career Notes: A left-back who departed Arsenal in 2021, Fapetu excelled in Derby’s youth setup and earned first-team minutes. However, he opted not to sign a new contract in 2024 and has been without a club since, likely waiting for the summer transfer window.

Zach Fagan Last Known Club: FC Romania (non-league), last active in the 2021-22 season. Career Notes: Fagan spent 12 years at Arsenal, reaching the under-21 level and drawing comparisons to Rio Ferdinand. Released in 2014 without a first-team appearance, he played in lower leagues before his trail went cold after FC Romania. He’s reportedly transitioned to modelling.