Matt Smith

Career Arsenal Born in Harlow, Essex, Smith began his career at Arsenal when he was seven. He would continue to be named on the bench for the rest of the season but never played. He was also named on the bench for the 2020 FA Cup Final which Arsenal won and earned Smith a winner's medal despite not having made his first team debut for Arsenal.

Loan to Swindon Town Smith signed on loan for League One side Swindon Town in August 2020 for the duration of the season. He scored his first goal for Swindon in a 3–1 win against Rochdale on 12 September 2020.

Loan to Charlton Athletic On 1 February 2021, Smith moved to a different League One side, Charlton Athletic, on loan for the rest of the 2020-21 season. He made his debut in a 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth in League One on 2 February, coming on as a substitute for Andrew Shinnie in the 77th minute.

Loan to Doncaster Rovers On 5 July 2021, Smith again returned to League One as he joined Doncaster Rovers on a season-long loan deal, linking back up with manager Richie Wellens whom he had played under at Swindon.

Return to Arsenal On 16 June 2023, Arsenal announced that Smith would be leaving the club following the expiration of his contract.

Wigan Athletic On 1 July 2023, Smith signed for EFL League One side Wigan Athletic. He was offered a new contract at the end of the 2025–26 season, but Smith left the club and became a free agent. He made 99 appearances during his three seasons at the club. He had a short trial at Lincoln City but moved on after two pre-season performances.

Style of play With his technique on the ball and awareness off it, Smith typically operates as a deep-lying midfielder, taking the ball off his center-backs to either spread the play or fire passes through the lines.

Career statistics

Honours Arsenal FA Cup: 2019–20