Portsmouth new boy Zak Swanson's Instagram inundated with good luck messages after Fratton Park move - with Jack Wilshere joined by Leeds, Stoke, Cardiff & Swansea players in posting replies

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Jack Wilshere has led the way in congratulating Zak Swanson on his move to Pompey.

The former Arsenal and England midfielder was among a host of Gunners figures to leave messages of good luck on the young defender’s Instagram account after his move to Fratton Park was completed.

The right-back has signed a two-year deal with the Blues for an undisclosed fee, with the club having the option of an additional 12 months.

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It brings to an end his long association with Arsenal, with Swanson initially joining the north London side at the age of six.

Since then the 21-year-old has progressed through the ranks at the Emirates, featuring regularly for their under-23s team in Premier League 2 and being on the bench 15 times for Mikel Arteta’s first team during their run-in at the end of last season.

Commenting on his move to the south coast, Swanson – who has already joined his new Blues team-mates at their current Spain training base – said he couldn’t wait to get started at Pompey.

He posted on Instagram: ‘A new chapter begins... Delighted to have signed for this historic club. Cannot wait to get started and see you all at Fratton Park!’

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And with that message to his 15.8k followers on the social media platform came a flurry of responses from now former team-mates and mentors to support his Pompey move, with former Arsenal favourite Wilshire leading the way.

Zak Swanson has signed a two-year deal at Pompey.    Picture: Portsmouth FCZak Swanson has signed a two-year deal at Pompey.    Picture: Portsmouth FC
Zak Swanson has signed a two-year deal at Pompey. Picture: Portsmouth FC

‘Good luck sooooon’, was the now 30-year-old’s response – a sentiment that was repeated by current Arsenal first-team star and fellow Gunners academy product Emile Smith Rowe.

He simply replied with a red heart emoji as he said goodbye to his long-term pal.

Stoke new-boy Harry Clarke also sent a message of good luck.

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Like Swanson, he’s heading away from the Emirates, albeit on loan.

And as he continues to settle in to his new surroundings, he posted: ‘Good luck Swanny ‘.

Coventry midfielder and fellow former Arsenal academy graduate Ben Sheaf wrote ‘Congrats mate’, while Brentford’s Dominic Thompson replied: ‘Yes Brother’.

Leeds’ Sam Greenwood – another player with an Arsenal past – wrote ‘Good luck bro’, while Cardiff centre-back Mark McGuinness said: ‘Yes Swanny’.

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Others would posted congratulatory messages were Cohen Bramall, Mika Biereth, James Olayinka, Zech Medley, Elijah Dixon-Bonner, Bayli Spencer-Adams and new Pompey team-mate Jay Mingi, who wrote: ‘Cmonnn’.

Swanson clearly made a big impression and many friends during his time at Arsenal.

There’ll be many from these parts hoping that can be repeated during his time Fratton Park.

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