Arsenal are set to lose another academy player this summer. This is after Colombia youth international Alexei Rojas decided against signing a new deal and will become a free agent on July 1.
According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, the 20-year-old goalkeeper and Arsenal failed to reach an agreement. They could not agree over a contract extension.
The key issue appears to be playing time, with the goalkeeper looking for a clearer route into senior football after finding opportunities hard to come by in north London.
That situation is particularly striking given Rojas’ international profile. He has already made six appearances for Colombia’s U20 side. He was also part of their setup during an important stage of his development.
However, that progress did not translate into significant involvement at club level this season.
Limited opportunities at Arsenal
Alexei Rojas’ decision seems rooted in a lack of minutes rather than a financial dispute.
Despite being highly regarded within Colombia’s youth ranks, he barely featured for Arsenal’s academy sides during the 2025/26 campaign. The pathway was already crowded. Moreover, opportunities became even harder to find as Arsenal prioritised goalkeepers viewed as closer to first-team involvement.
For a player approaching 21, another season largely spent waiting for chances would have carried obvious risks. As a result, leaving on a free transfer appears to be the route he has chosen.
As we previously covered, Chelsea, Norwich City, Watford, Crystal Palace rejected him during his youth academy days.
What happens next?
The goalkeeper’s departure will inevitably attract attention from clubs looking for young, internationally recognised talent available without a transfer fee.
One detail that could become relevant is his representation. Rojas is managed by CAA Base Ltd. This is one of football’s most influential agencies, with strong connections across the Premier League and wider European market.
That network should help generate options quickly once he officially becomes a free agent.
For Arsenal, meanwhile, it is another example of a promising academy player deciding that first-team opportunities are likely to arrive sooner elsewhere.