Arsenal release five youngsters

Arsenal Football Club can confirm that Adam Birchall, Jordan Fowler, Danny Karbassiyoon, Frankie Simek and Olafur-Ingi Skulason are being released by the Club when their contracts expire this summer.

Everyone associated with Arsenal would like to take this opportunity to thank Adam, Jordan, Danny, Frankie and Olafur-Ingi for their contributions to the Club and wish them the best of luck for the future.

OLAFUR-INGI SKULASON
Skulason joined Arsenal in the summer of 2001 and leaves Highbury as a full Iceland international. The versatile midfielder made his debut against Mexico and won his second cap in a friendly against Italy four weeks ago. The 22-year-old featured in Arsenal's run to the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup during the 2003/04 campaign but injury restricted his appearances last season.

DANNY KARBASSIYOON
Karbassiyoon arrived at Highbury as a striker but was soon plying his trade on the left flank and is now making steady progress as a full-back. He made his mark in the Carling Cup last season, coming on as a substitute to score in a 2-1 win against Manchester City and making further appearances against Everton and Manchester United. He then enjoyed a productive loan spell at Ipswich.

ADAM BIRCHALL
Birchall joined Arsenal four years ago and caught the eye with his bustling style of play and eye for goal. He started last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, scoring five goals in 15 appearances for the League Two side. Birchall has also thrived on the international stage, scoring a goal on his debut for Wales Under-21s during his time at Highbury.

FRANKIE SIMEK
Simek is another young defender who has featured in the Carling Cup for Arsenal. He played a full 90 minutes in the 5-1 win over Wolves during the 2003/04 campaign. Simek went out on loan twice last season. He played five games for Queen's Park Rangers and then spent the final weeks of the season at Bournemouth.

JORDAN FOWLER
Fowler has been a regular for Arsenal Reserves in recent seasons and he also spent time away from Highbury last term. The combative midfielder played six games in League Two for Chesterfield.