Arsenal - Andre Harriman-Annous
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Arsenal have confirmed that highly rated 17-year-old forward Andre Harriman-Annous has signed his first professional contract, capping a remarkable rise through the club’s famed Hale End Academy.
Harriman-Annous, who joined the Gunners in May 2016, has been widely tipped as one of the most exciting prospects in Arsenal’s youth setup. Born in London on December 28, 2007, the versatile attacker can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder or central striker, and has already made his mark across the U18, U19 and U21 sides.
Last season, the England U18 international delivered an outstanding return of 13 goals and assists in just 12 starts for Arsenal’s U18s. Highlights included a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Brighton in the U18 Premier League and a goal on his UEFA Youth League debut, underlining both his finishing prowess and creative spark.
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Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Harriman-Annous described signing his first deal as a lifelong ambition realised.
“It’s a really good day to sign my first professional contract,” he said. “I’m a fan of Arsenal, so it’s a dream come true really. I want to keep playing in the under-21s, hopefully with England too, and if I keep pushing, I’ll be on the bench and make my debut with the first team.”
The Barnet-born forward has already sampled senior football, making his first-team bow as a substitute in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Singapore on July 27, 2025. Operating as a central striker, he impressed with his work rate and pressing, earning praise from the coaching staff. His inclusion in the club’s pre-season tour to Asia, alongside fellow academy stars Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, reflected the faith Mikel Arteta has in his potential.
Harriman-Annous comes from a sporting family. His older brother, Brandon, also progressed through Arsenal’s youth ranks before moving to Hull City, while his cousin, England rugby star Maro Itoje, has been a key mentor, advising him on the demands of professional sport.
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A boyhood Arsenal fan, Harriman-Annous grew up idolising club greats Thierry Henry, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, drawing inspiration in particular from Henry’s variety of goals and fluid style. His movement and finishing have already invited comparisons to the legendary Frenchman.
With Arsenal’s first team hit by injuries to key forwards earlier this year, Arteta has not hesitated to promote youth, handing Harriman-Annous opportunities to train with the senior squad. The teenager has set his sights on regular U21 action in 2025/26, a call-up to England’s U19s for the European Championships, and a competitive debut for Arsenal, potentially in the Carabao Cup.
Eligible to represent Nigeria through his mother, Harriman-Annous has also left the door open to an international future with the Super Eagles. Whatever the path, Arsenal believe they have another academy gem ready to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
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