Town have announced that Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has signed a three-year deal, the Blues having agreed a fee of £1.5 million rising to £2 million with Arsenal for the 20-year-old late last week.

Emmanuel-Thomas told the club site: "Obviously it came to the stage in my career at Arsenal where I needed to be playing games. I had a decision to make and Ipswich seemed the right place for me.

"I had a good time at Arsenal and I'm going to miss all the boys, but my future is about me and I needed to move on.

"I was impressed with what Paul Jewell had to say - and the team he is building. I know he is looking to bring in more players and it's the club's ambition to get in the Premier League. That's my goal as well - to play in the Premier League with Ipswich."

The Blues' new signing added on Twitter: "Thank you to Arsenal FC for everything they have done for me and [for] making me the player I am today. I wish everyone there all the best. Peace and love.

"My new club and home Ipswich Town. 6th August, let's get this season started! Let's go Tractor Boyz!"

The Forest Gate-born midfielder or striker joined the Arsenal academy at the age of eight, progressing through the ranks playing in virtually every position. He skippered the Gunners’ U18s to the 2009 FA Youth Cup at the age of 16 having already broken into the reserves.

The 6ft 3in tall England U17 and U19 international, who played under former Town coach Chris Kiwomya as an Arsenal youngster, made only one senior Gunners start, in an FA Cup tie, plus a further single Premier League sub appearance as well as three more cup games from the bench.

Last season, Emmanuel-Thomas scored two goals in nine starts and seven sub appearances during his spell at Cardiff with Michael Chopra, in addition to his four brief sub appearances for Arsenal. The 20-year-old previously played in the Championship during loan spells with Blackpool and Doncaster.

Both today's new signings plus Ívar Ingimarsson, who is over his thigh strain, are in the squad for tonight's friendly at Colchester (KO 7.45pm).

Town are set to take more than 1,500 fans to the Weston Homes Community Stadium with tickets available on the night from the Colchester Ticket Office, not on the turnstiles. The Blues have been allocated a stand which holds 1,900 with additional capacity if required.

Parking at the stadium is very limited and fans are advised to buy a permit in advance via the Colchester United Ticket Office on 0845 437 9089. There is also a shuttle bus service, which runs from Colchester Station, costing £1.50.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

Surco72 added 15:44 - Jul 26 great signing well done to all involved
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Bluearmy71 added 15:45 - Jul 26 Fantastic signing.......... omg our squad is coming along nicely *rubs eyes*
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roytheboy added 15:45 - Jul 26 Another two exciting signings, a good day's work I think.
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comeonthegoodtimes added 15:46 - Jul 26 Maybe he was in a hurry after seeing all the posts on here saying they were worried he wasn't going to sign and just got out of the hairdressers chair to have his picture taken and having it finished off later????? he's going to be so embaressed when he sees this picture though.....lol Welcome aboard Wonkey Donkey.....
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im_marcacus added 15:48 - Jul 26 Cor, he's a big boy aint he. Good work PJ, keep 'em coming
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JimmyJazz added 15:49 - Jul 26 McAuley hoped for a move to the Prem and Norris, yes he wasn't worth a 3 year deal.
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robdaful added 15:50 - Jul 26 Can't wait for tonights game. Silly hair cut tho.
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Seasider added 15:50 - Jul 26 Paul Jewell must take a lot of credit for being so pro-active in the transfer market unlike his predecessor.Keane gave impression he didn't get so involved as PJ who at this rate will soon be choosing the colour of curtains in boardroom!Well done,lets hope all new signings can now gell?
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kuqicou_nago added 15:51 - Jul 26 Welcome JET.Good to see a young player joining from Arsenal for a change,don't happen often(Karbasiyoon!).Hopefully the start of a beautiful relationship.
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BwoodBlue added 15:53 - Jul 26 Get in there!
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4dy added 15:53 - Jul 26 welcome JET, wonder if he'll dye his strip of hair blue!
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legoman added 15:57 - Jul 26 Thats the song for the crowd mighty horse!
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Jack_hughes2 added 15:58 - Jul 26 what a fantastic signing! First time in a while I feel optimistic for the upcoming season! Fantastic work Paul Jewell!
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alfromcol added 15:59 - Jul 26 Where are all the donkeys who were critical of Clegg a few weeks ago? Well done the ITFC management
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4dy added 15:59 - Jul 26 capturing sol cambells signature would be the icing on the cake.one player not going to liecester!
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Dale added 16:00 - Jul 26 That's a lot of money for an unproven player.
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CambridgeBlue added 16:01 - Jul 26 Very happy with that signing. Some concerns over attitude, but frankly a player of that calibre for that price is excellent business. Long as Jewell's man management is up to the task (and I think it is), he should turn out excellent. Bit about his future being for him may have raised a few eyebrows, but in fairness if he's not able to get in to the Arsenal first XI (and there aren't that many players who are), then who can blame him for wanting to move? I'm just glad that he's chosed Ipswich to move to!

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ITFC_Essex added 16:04 - Jul 26 The photo says one thing.... Matt Damon.
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We_hate_Norwich added 16:04 - Jul 26 Have to hold my hands up here - don't know much about JET. Is he the one to get into double figures to add to Chopra's 20+? I look forward to being impressed!
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JewellintheTown added 16:05 - Jul 26 That haircut makes him look like someones sunk a pick axe in his head and his hair is oozing out. Maybe its a mohawk wig thats blown sideways in the wind - got a bit of a mohawk comb-over going on there lad :) On another point, he doesnt look too chuffed to be holding the sacred blue shirt. Smile man, smile! You're playing for the Town now!
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TheWeapon added 16:05 - Jul 26 Our club is going no where but up!!! Come on the town!!
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Hungry_Badger added 16:06 - Jul 26 good bit of business there, could turn out to be a bargin or a flop like Martin (even though hes picking up his form now), not sure about the hair though!!
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norfolk_mighty_horse added 16:06 - Jul 26 Dale - i believe 9 mill for an unproven player was a lot of money!
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Superfrans added 16:06 - Jul 26 The Cardiff link is an interesting one. Wonder whether Chopra recommended him to PJ...
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paul73 added 16:07 - Jul 26 Expect the next player to sign will have Ron Jeremy or johnny Holmes somewhere in they name. But two good signings made today. Up the Town
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