When Granit Xhaka completed his move to Arsenal from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer, Gunners youngster Isaac Hayden realised that it was time for him to leave the club in search of first-team football.
Hayden ultimately got the transfer he desired and joined the Rafa-revolution on Tyneside in their quest to get Newcastle United back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Despite the midfielder never making a competitive first team appearance under Arsene Wenger, it brought an eight-year spell at Arsenal to an end with the England Under-21 international having made it through the academy at the club.
Although Hayden had impressed at Hull City in the Premier League during a loan spell, when the 21-year-old reported back to Arsenal for pre-season, it was clear to him that the Granit Xhaka signing was about to push him out of the door.
Attitude is everything, keep working and keep improving! focus on the next objective tonight! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/M9SDdb0855
Speaking to the Sheilds Gazette (via Squawka) he said: "Arsene didn't say he didn't want me, and it wasn't like he didn't think I was good enough, it was more looking at the squad. They brought in Xhaka for £24 million, and they're not going to play a 21-year-old in front of him.
"I didn't want to go on loan again, I wanted to find a home. Arsene wanted to give me that opportunity, and he was fantastic with me."?
Newcastle United currently sit in the Championship's automatic promotion places and Hayden hopes to be back in the Premier League to face his old side Arsenal next season.
"I'm not going to lie,"? he added.
"I've thought about going back to play against Arsenal at the Emirates a few times. "Whether it be the FA Cup, the (EFL) Cup or hopefully eventually in the league, to go back to the Emirates would be a great occasion.
"It would be good to see some of the people there because a lot of people there have helped me. "I was there for eight years, and it was a big part of my life and my career.
"I was an Arsenal fan growing up, so it would be a good moment.
"It would be even more special to do it with Newcastle because I'm really enjoying my time here and I think the club is really helping me develop as a player."