Arsenal have confirmed the transfer of teenager Amani Richards to Leicester City.

The Gunners have announced that the 17-year-old will move permanently to the King Power Stadium in a surprise deadline-day switch.

Richards will join City’s Under-18s, and so the club will not be announcing his arrival, as is their policy.

It marks the latest step in a whirlwind year for Richards, who only joined Arsenal from Chelsea’s academy last February, and only signed a professional deal with the Gunners in November.

At the time, Richards wrote: “A dream come true, signing my first professional contact at my boyhood club. Many challenges to get here, I appreciate everyone who has supported me through the journey. Time to continue the fight.”

However, the teenager, who plays up front or as a winger, now leaves for City.

While he earned an appearance at Under-23 level last season, game-time at Under-18 level has been harder to come by for Richards this term.

He has made eight appearances in total, but only three starts, scoring once in a Premier League Cup tie against Everton.

In a statement, Arsenal said: “We wish Amani the best of luck for his future with Leicester City.”