Arsenal academy graduate completes move to Portuguese top flight | OneFootball

Released Arsenal midfielder Jimi Gower has officially signed for Moreirense in Portugal, having impressed on a trial basis with the club.

Photo via Moreirense on Instagram

Portuguese top-flight club Moreirense have officially confirmed the signing of Jimi Gower on a free transfer, with the former Arsenal player signing a three-year deal with his new club to 2028.

Gower had spent eight years with Arsenal as an academy player, but he departed as a free agent this summer. The Gunners opted not to extend his contract, but he earned a surprise trial with Moreirense in July.

The midfielder played for the Portuguese top-flight club in multiple pre-season games during his trial, even scoring the winner in a game against fellow Liga Portugal side AVS Futebol SAD.

Photo via Moreirense on Instagram

Prior to the official announcement, Portuguese outlet Guimaraes Digital had reported that Moreirense were expected to move forward with the signing, with the coaching staff and the club hierarchy providing positive feedback on the player.

It’s no surprise the deal went through this week, with Moreirense due to kick off their Liga Portugal campaign with a match against Alverca on Sunday.

Gower finalising his transfer means he’ll now be available for selection in that match, a chance to make his debut in senior football.

Photo via Moreirense on Instagram

Though Gower featured on the bench for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side on seven occasions, he never made it onto the pitch in a competitive fixture.