EASTLEIGH'S extraordinary summer transfer window spree has got even more interesting after they raided Premier League giants Arsenal for young goalkeeper Ryan Huddart. 

The 19-year-old was included in two of the Gunners' Champions League squads last season, but has swapped the Emirates for the Silverlake Stadium to become the Spitfires' NINTH signing of the closed season.

Huddart, who is yet to make his senior bow for the Londoners, joins Chris Todd's side on a season-long loan, meaning he will compete with long-serving shot stopper Ross Flitney for the number one jersey.

The Vanarama National League side have needed cover between the sticks after it was announced that young 'keeper Lewis Noice would not be retained.

Huddart joins a whole host of new faces in the Silverlake dressing room as they eye promotion to the Football League next season, with Eastleigh now just two players of signing a whole new starting 11.

The Spitfires have signed midfielders David Pipe from Forest Green Rovers and Jake Howells from Luton Town, as well as winger Adam Dawson from Nuneaton.

Todd has also strengthened his backline with Morecambe's Adam Dugdale, Connor Essam from Leyton Orient and experienced centre back Richard Duffy from Port Vale.  

The list goes on with attackers Scott Wilson from Weston-super-Mare and Mikael Mandron from Sunderland also joining.

The Margate-born goalkeeper, who has appeared for England at youth level, signed a new deal at Arsenal in March after making 21 appearances for the Gunners academy last term.

The towering 6ft5in goalie will unlikely be daunted by the biggest of stadiums in the National League having been part of the squad for Arsenal's squad for Champions League games against Borussia Dortmund and Anderlecht.