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Arsenal have officially confirmed that 17-year-old forward Louis Zecevic-John has signed his first professional contract with the club, marking a major milestone in the teenager’s burgeoning career.
A versatile and dynamic attacker capable of operating as both a striker and winger, Zecevic-John has been a standout performer for Arsenal’s U18 side. During the 2024/25 campaign, the Serbia U17 international registered 14 goal contributions, seven goals and seven assists in 22 appearances, impressing with his pace, creativity, and instinct in the final third. His displays in the U18 Premier League, UEFA Youth League, and FA Youth Cup have drawn praise from within and outside the club, with some likening his playing style to Arsenal first-team star Bukayo Saka.
Eligible to sign professional terms after turning 17 in January, Arsenal waited until the start of the new footballing year on July 1 to finalise the deal. This strategic timing ensures Zecevic-John can be contracted until 2028, taking advantage of FIFA’s three-year maximum for initial professional contracts. The move underscores Arsenal’s long-term belief in his potential, especially as the youngster has already trained with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad while still a schoolboy.
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Speaking to the club’s official website, Zecevic-John shared his excitement and referenced Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri: “They’re only a few years above me, and looking at the steps they took, I hope to follow in their footsteps to the first team.”
Arsenal - Louis Zecevic-John
Louis Zecevic-John (Image credit: arsenal.com)
Zecevic-John’s journey to Arsenal began in December 2020 following a chance encounter with Head of Academy Per Mertesacker, which led to a trial and eventual scholarship. His early promise was evident at the 2019 Gothia Cup, where he scored 21 goals in six matches as an 11-year-old, earning the top scorer accolade and catching the attention of scouts across Europe.
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Since joining the Gunners, he has continued his upward trajectory, signing a three-year scholarship deal in 2024 and securing a personal sponsorship with Nike.
Born in London to a Serbian mother and a father of St Lucian and Dominican heritage, Zecevic-John represents Serbia at youth international level and is fluent in Serbian. His technical ability, intelligent movement, and dangerous delivery from wide areas have made him a key figure in Arsenal’s youth ranks.
His standout showing in the FA Youth Cup victory over Hertford Town, coupled with the recent departures of attackers such as Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Khayon Edwards, has opened up opportunities in the U21 squad. If his development continues at its current pace, Zecevic-John could soon be pushing for senior opportunities.
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