Arsenal young defender Mark McGuiness joins Ipswich Town on season-long loan

Ipswich Town have boosted their ranks today by completing the signing of Mark McGuinness on loan from Arsenal, writes Jacob Henderson.

The central defender joins on a season-long deal, having put pen to paper at Portman Road this morning.

McGuinness has impressed for Arsenal U23s this season, and caught the eye when the Young Gunners took on Town in the EFL Trophy earlier this month.

The 19-year-old played 90 minutes against Paul Lambert's side, and also featured for the Arsenal first-team in pre-season friendlies before the start of the 2020/21 campaign - including scoring a powerful header against MK Dons.

McGuinness missed out on large parts of the 2019/20 season through injury, but will be looking to progress this term at Town.

The six foot four defender will don the number two shirt for Blues.

He said he is looking forward to the challenge of fighting for a first-team place.

McGuiness joins Luke Chambers, Corrie Ndaba, Toto Nsiala, James Wilson and Luke Woolfenden as recognised central defenders at the League One club.

"I am very happy to be here," he said.

"After getting the deal sorted I was really looking forward to training and it went well. I met the group this morning - they’re a great bunch of lads.

"I’m hoping to be involved in plenty of first-team matches here. The lads have started really well, so I know I’ll have to impress and I won’t just walk into the team, but I’m up for the challenge.

"My main priority is defending and I want to help the team keep as many clean sheets and be as solid as possible.

"I also enjoy getting on the ball, though. I can see this squad try to play out from the back and that’s something that will suit me and benefit me.

"The experience here could be invaluable to me. I want to make the most of it and help the club achieve what it wants."#

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