Tyreece John-Jules broke into first team football alongside Bukayo Saka.Tyreece John-Jules broke into first team football alongside Bukayo Saka.
Tyreece John-Jules broke into first team football alongside Bukayo Saka. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta once hailed the striker as a ‘complete player’ as he broke through from the Arsenal youth academy.
Former Arsenal striker Tyreece John-Jules is in the market for a new club following his release from Crawley Town. The 24-year-old is a free agent once again, just 12 months after he was released from the Emirates Stadium.
The bagsman was on the books at Arsenal between 2009 and 2024, working his way up through the youth system and learning the trade alongside the likes of starboy Bukayo Saka and Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah. John-Jules never made a first team appearance for the Gunners but was in several matchday squads and earned praise from Mikel Arteta.
The forward joined League One side Crawley Town last summer following his release from Arsenal but didn’t score a single goal across 27 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season. Crawley Town finished the season in 21st and were relegated to League Two.
Former Arsenal striker made free agent
Crawley boss Rob Elliot had heaped praise on John-Jules following his debut for the side. Speaking in November, he said: “It was good to get obviously Tyreece (John-Jules) on the pitch and get minutes for lads who’ve been out for a while.
“He’s worked so well behind the scenes. He’s had a really tough time and he’s such a lovely lad. This is part of his rehab. This isn’t him back fit and fresh.
“We need to make sure that in the next few days he’s right and ready. It was a good glimpse to see what he’s going to be able to bring to us, his pace, his power, some of his passing was excellent and I was really pleased with him tonight.”
However, the move ultimately did not work out for John-Jules who is now in the market for another club. During his time at Arsenal, the player was sent on loan to Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town and Derby County.
Tyreece John-Jules hailed as ‘complete player’ by Mikel Arteta
Speaking as the player, who represented England at every youth level from under-16 to under-21, began to make matchday squads, Arteta said: “He can do everything, he links really well on the ball every time he’s out of the number nine position. He’s got a really good ability to do that. He reads situations earlier than others and he’s a good finisher as well. Physically he’s developed in a really good shape, so I think he’s a very complete player.”
Despite praise from Arteta, it was under Unai Emery that John-Jules first made the leap to the first team by being included on a pre-season tour. Speaking to The Beautiful Game Podcast, the striker said: “It was tough to say the least. You’re used to playing with guys your age and a bit older but you go into the first team and they’ve been doing this for years and years at the top level.
“I’m thinking, this is different. Everything is fast and everyone is stronger. You’ve got to treat every training like a game, it means a lot. Especially with all the eyes looking at you, you want to impress the manager and the teammates. You’ve got to make sure every impression is good.”
In other news, Ex Chelsea, West Ham and Crystal Palace star with 220 Premier League appearances made free agent.
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