Colchester United midfielder Arthur Read is being linked with a move to League Two new boys York City. Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke reports that Read is in ‘advanced talks’ to sign on a free transfer for the Minstermen.

What happened?

Read enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season for Danny Cowley’s side, making 51 league and cup appearances and scoring 7 league goals, a career-high for a league season.

His WhoScored rating of 7.09 was also his best return to date, improving on his 6.98 from 2023/24. This led to him being named in the highest rated Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season.

Why it matters for Colchester

The U’s confirmed in their retained and released list published last month that they were in discussions with Read over a new deal. However, with Read out of contract this summer, York City are now in pole position to sign him.

What comes next?

As of June 25, 2026, Colchester United are 12th in League Two, with 66 points from 46 games, and a recent form of WLLWW. Their last result was a 4-1 win over Cheltenham on May 2, 2026. Here are the key stats: | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 12th in League Two | | Points | 66 | | Recent form | WLLWW | | Last result | Cheltenham 1-4 Colchester | Read has made more than 150 league and appearances for Colchester since joining them from Stevenage in January 2023.