Arsenal academy trio commit to Gunners with first professional contracts

Arsenal have secured the futures of home-grown talents Michelle Agyemang, Freya Godfrey and Naomi Williams ahead of what is shaping up to be a busy summer for the Gunners.

Godfrey and Williams have each signed their first professional contracts with the club, while 17-year-old Agyemang has committed to a deal when she turns 18 in February.

Agyemang burst onto the scene for Arsenal this past season, making several appearances for the Gunners across the WSL and Champions League. She scored her first senior goal during the Vitality Women’s FA Cup 9-0 win over Leeds United.

Having also made a splash more recently in the Under-17 European Championship in wich England reached the semi-finals, the youngster is a bright young forward with heaps of future potential.

Speaking on her dedication to the club, 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."

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Godfrey turned 18 in May and followed with a first pro deal. She split her times in 2022/23 between Arsenal and Ipswich on dual registration terms, but returned to the Gunners at the end of the campaign to make her WSL debut against Brighton and then came off the bench against Everton.

A versatile midfielder or forward, she said, "It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s incredible to be offered the opportunity, and I just hope I can make it count. 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."

Williams, a budding young goalkeeper who is also 18, has been with Arsenal for five years. Although yet to make her senior debut, she was still a regular member of the first-team's matchday squads last season and has been fully integrated with the seniors for some time now.

Speaking on the news, Williams said, "It feels amazing to have grown up at this club and to have gone through the different levels. 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."