Alexei Rojas Heads to Penafiel After Eight‑Year Arsenal Spell

Arteta’s Former Goalkeeper Finds New Challenge

The 20‑year‑old Colombian signed a deal with Penafiel after spending eight seasons at Arsenal, where he was part of Mikel Arteta’s inner‑circle for much of the 2025/26 campaign. Rojas regularly trained with the senior squad, often sitting on the bench for key matches. He turned down a new contract offered by the Premier League club, opting to pursue a fresh opportunity abroad. His departure leaves a gap in Arsenal’s youth development pathway after numerous years of nurturing his talent.

Penafiel Signs Colombian Talent

Penafiel, a club competing in Liga Portugal 2, announced Rojas as the replacement for Manuel Balde, who moved to Trofense on a free transfer. He will join Miguel Oliveira and Joan Femenias in the goalkeeping rotation for the upcoming season. The Portuguese side sees Rojas as a solid addition to bolster its defensive depth. The move marks Rojas’s first experience in Portuguese football.

Career Snapshot at Arsenal

During his Arsenal tenure, Rojas appeared for the under‑18, under‑19 and under‑21 teams, amassing 21 matches across those age groups. He earned a spot on the bench for the Champions League clash against Slavia Praha and featured for the under‑21s in an EFL Trophy tie versus Cardiff City. A month away with Colombia at the Under‑20 World Cup interrupted his club schedule, yet Arsenal still preferred using him in first‑team training. In June, the Premier League confirmed the club had offered fresh terms, which Rojas declined.

What the Move Means for Rojas

In an emotional Instagram post, Rojas praised Arsenal for shaping him both as a player and a person, thanking staff, medical teams, ground staff and supporters. He described the eight‑year journey as a privilege and highlighted the skill required to be an elite athlete. The Colombian now sees the Penafiel contract as the best step for his career, aiming to take on new challenges in Portugal. “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner,” he concluded, signaling lasting ties to his former club.