Arsenal's more unexpected deals on the transfer deadline were added, with the club confirming that youngster Richards had left the team in a permanent transfer.
Within minutes of closing the winter window, Arsenal posted confirmation that Armani Richards had left to join Leicester City.
The club added that it was a permanent transfer and wished the players good luck. Leicester City did not issue a document confirming the deal.
From multiple perspectives, this transfer was somewhat unexpected. There were no previous rumours, but Challiz had only just joined the team in February 2021 and signed a professional contract with Arsenal last November.
We thought he would stay in the team at least until the end of the season.
Richards, on the other hand, did not develop as expected.
The young goalscorer had an immediate effect at Arsenal at the end of the season, scoring three goals in three U18 games and even making one appearance in an Under23 game.
But this season he didn't have many chances in the U18 team, basically sitting on the bench. Meanwhile, Edwards scored 18 goals and five assists, making the position difficult to shake.
In all competitions, Richards made nine appearances and scored one goal.
He has only made two league starts, with fiasco defeats against Chelsea and West Ham. In the most recent match, Arsenal beat Chelsea 4-0 and he was completely absent from the squad.
That's not to say that Richards wasn't a good seedling. In his early games with Arsenal, he was one of the better ones and has been on the run this season, but has also missed some great opportunities.
Whatever the reason, he hasn't been in a good position in recent months and joining Leicester City allows him to get a fresh start.
Many are a bit confused about Arsenal signing a professional contract with Richards last November and then selling it so quickly.
The most obvious explanation is that it means Arsenal can make a small profit from the player's transfer. Chris Wheatley confirmed the club received a fee that they had profited from players over the past year.
The deal was a bit of a routine at the time. Richards signed last November because he was 17 years old.
Arsenal may have planned a contract when he joined (and may have even agreed in February last year), he just couldn't sign before his birthday.
It's surprising that Arsenal let Richards go so quickly, but perhaps they think the deal is good for all parties.
Arsenal cashed out a player who didn't have many chances to play and "slim down" the team. Richards may get more appearances after leaving. Leicester City, on the other hand, completed the reinforcements they wanted.
Hopefully, the gunners won't regret it in the future.