Matt Smith
Last club: Wigan Athletic
Matt Smith is a 25-year-old midfielder who spent 13 years in Arsenal’s academy and was part of the senior squad which won the FA Cup in 2020, collecting a medal despite not making a competitive first-team appearance. He acquired his senior experience through League One loans with Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers before leaving Arsenal in 2023. Smith subsequently joined Wigan Athletic and played 99 times across three seasons, including 43 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign. He was offered a new contract by the Latics but elected to leave and pursue an opportunity elsewhere.
Smith is primarily a deep-lying midfielder who uses his awareness and technical ability to collect possession from the defence and move the ball through the lines. His record of only five goals in 160 league appearances illustrates that he is more of a facilitator than an attacking threat, but he could provide control and composure for a team seeking to build from the back. Smith had a short trial with us during the summer and featured twice in pre-season before moving on, but his age, EFL experience and Arsenal education should ensure that he remains an interesting free-agent option for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield.
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