Arsenal announced yesterday that defender Josh Ogunnaike has signed his first professional contract with the club.
There had been some uncertainty regarding whether the 18-year-old would remain at Arsenal following the conclusion of his scholarship contract.
Eventually, though, Ogunnaike accepted Arsenal’s contract offer and he will now continue his development with the U21 squad having already gained a considerable amount of experience at that level last season.
Retaining Ogunnaike’s services represents a boost for the academy, especially in terms of depth as without him there would have been some concerns about the lack of options available.
Ogunnaike is capable of playing at left-back or as a left-sided centre-back and it was in the latter position in which he featured last night as Arsenal U21s drew 1-1 with Boreham Wood in a pre-season friendly.
Marley Marshall-Miranda gave Boreham Wood the lead but a fine strike from substitute Bowen Phillips saw Arsenal equalise.
Arsenal fielded a strong side that included players with first-team experience such as Ife Ibrahim and Andre Harriman-Annous.
David Horseman was in the dugout amid indications that he could become the club’s U21 coach on a full-time basis.
No other friendlies have been announced yet for the U21s but there certainly seems to be more optimism at this level than there was this time last year, with the team having greater structure and an wider range of options available.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird