Arsenal have confirmed Zane Monlouis has permanently joined Toronto FC.
Monlouis, 21, has signed a two-year contract – which includes options to extend the deal by an additional two seasons – with the Major League Soccer franchise following a trial during their pre-season. It appears the defender has spent recent weeks with the Canadian club after not playing for the under-21s since the first week of February, missing their last two matches.
He made 98 appearances across under-18 and under-21 levels over the last six seasons, often captaining those teams. Monlouis debuted for the former in 2018 as a 14-year-old, just six years after joining the academy aged eight.
The Lewisham native signed a first professional contract after turning 16 and is described by the club as a cool and composed ball-playing central defender. He spent last season on loan at Reading in League One, making his professional debut as a late substitute away to Fleetwood Town this time last year.
A month later, after previously playing for England at under-15 and under-17 level when future Arsenal under-23s head coach Kevin Betsy led those teams, the Jamaica under-23s called up Monlouis for a training camp. He is of Jamaican descent.
After returning to north London this season, Monlouis made the first-team matchday squad for the first time, sitting on the substitutes bench during Champions League games against Monaco and Shakhtar Donetsk. However, he did not debut during either.
In an Instagram post, Monlouis has shared an emotional message alongside 10 photos from his time at the club. “After 13 incredible years at Arsenal, it’s time for me to say my goodbyes,” the caption reads.
“These years have been some of the most memorable of my life, filled with unforgettable moments, challenges, and achievements. To my teammates, coaches, and all the staff, thank you for your continued support and belief during my time at the club.
“With saying that, I believe it’s my time to move on, and I am excited for what the future holds for me.” Monlouis added in a separate post, which features four photos of him training with the team and one of him in their red home shirt: “Excited to join Toronto FC (maple leaf emoji) it’s been a tough but enjoyable two weeks working hard and gearing up for the season opener. Let’s get it!”
Toronto are equally eager to sign Monlouis. Their general manager, Jason Hernandez, has said: “We are excited to announce the addition of Zane to our backline for the 2025 season and beyond.
“Zane joins us from Arsenal FC, one of the top club environments in Europe. At just 21 years old, he has already gained a variety of playing experience in the U.K.
“His skill set, both on and off the ball, will be an asset to our defence, and we look forward to his continued growth and integration with our first team.”
