Arsenal have confirmed a trio of exciting academy talents have signed their first professional deal with the club.
Freya Godfrey and Naomi Williams, who joined the Gunners at age 12 and 13 respectively, have both put pen to paper on their first professional contracts, while Michelle Agyemang has committed to signing her first pro deal upon her 18th birthday in February.
The commitments represent a significant sign of planning for the future by Arsenal and further evidence of the efficacy of the academy system.
Agyemang will be a familiar name for Arsenal faithful. The 17-year-old has been at the club since the age of six and made her senior debut last season in the Gunners’ 4-0 victory over Leicester in the Women’s Super League last November.
Agyemang remained in and around the senior squad throughout the season and scored her first goal for the first team in the 9-0 FA Cup fourth round victory over Leeds United in January.
Godfrey spent the last season at third-tier Ipswich Town on a dual-registration agreement, though the midfielder was able to make two appearances for the first team including her senior debut in the 4-0 WSL victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Williams has yet to make her senior debut, but the goalkeeper was a regular member of match-day squads last season.
On the deals, Agyemang said: “This club is like a family to me, so it’s really exciting to be committing to this club and I can’t wait for what the future holds. This is my childhood club and I’m really grateful for the opportunities I have had.”
Godfrey echoed her teammate’s sentiments while underlining the pathway from Arsenal’s academy into the first-team proven by players such as Lotte Wubben-Moy: “We’ve seen players come through the academy to the first team so we know what it takes and how hard you have to work,” Godfrey said.
Williams added: “Since I first signed for the club as an academy player, the feeling of family and togetherness is always there. Pushing yourself to the next level – that’s what Arsenal means to me.”
