ARSENAL have loaned ‘assist king’ Matt Smith to League One side Doncaster Rovers.
The midfielder, 20, spent the first half of last season with Swindon Town before joining Charlton Athletic in January.
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Smith gained vital experience with both clubs, playing a total of 32 games.
And after earning a reputation as a prominent assist-maker in Arsenal’s youth sides, Smith will be looking to develop even further as a playmaker this term.
He is Rovers’ fifth signing of the summer, with Ben Close, Kyle Knoyle, Ro-Shaun Williams and Tommy Rowe already penning deals.
And Smith admits he can’t wait to get started in his new surroundings after being reunited with ex-Swindon boss Richie Wellens.
Smith said: “I’m buzzing. I’m really looking forward to the season. It’s my second season now in League One so I know what to expect.
“I worked with the manager at Swindon and Doncaster play the right way and a way that suits me as a player, so it was a no-brainer to come here, especially in the development of my career.
“Hopefully now I’ve come in here we’ll push on and do well this season.
“Richie is a top manager and I love working with him. For me personally, he wanted to help me every day to develop and push on.
“I really enjoyed my time working with him so the decision to come here was an easy one.
“I spoke to Ben Sheaf and Tyreece John-Jules too, and they both spoke highly of their time here so that pushed me to come here too.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”
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