Isaac Hayden, who has departed Arsenal this summer to join Newcastle United, believes the Gunners are overstocked with midfielders and Jack Wilshere may even struggle to get a game for the club next season.
Hayden spent last season away from Arsenal on loan at Hull City, who he helped to earn promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
This summer he has opted to sign for Newcastle, leaving Arsenal on a permanent basis and making a move he feels he simply had to make if he is to play on a regular basis and progress his career.
Hayden feels there are too many midfielders at the Emirates Stadium, although he is keen to admit that he learned from world-class talents such as Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla.
"Training with players like Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere will only help you", Hayden explained to the Shields Gazette.
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"It won’t hinder you. I’ve got a lot to thank Arsenal for – I was there for eight years.
"It was a good time, but it’s the time to move on, this is the right place.
"For me there was no chance for me at Arsenal.
"There are too many midfielders there, and even players like Jack Wilshere might not get a game next season", Hayden said.
"So for me, I had to move on to progress my career."
Hayden will now put his mind towards trying to secure his second consecutive promotion from the Championship and Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will be hoping the defender-cum-midfielder's league know-how comes in handy.
He could make his debut for Newcastle in this afternoon's friendly fixture against Bohemian in Ireland.
