Arsenal confirm new contract for teenage defender | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Brayden Clarke has signed his first professional contract with the club, having joined from Wolves earlier this year.

Brayden Clarke signs his professional contract with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

On Monday morning, Arsenal confirmed that youth defender Brayden Clarke has signed professional terms with the club.

Clarke had joined from Wolves earlier this year, initially signing a scholarship contract with Arsenal. But after turning 17 earlier this month, he’s now eligible for a professional deal, and he’s quickly taken up that option.

Brayden Clarke with Wales u17s (Photo via Clarke on Instagram)

“The staff members and players have all been really welcoming,” Clarke said after signing his new deal. “I think I’ve settled in quite quickly and have loads of games under my belt in a short amount of time.

“It was important to stay match fit last season and keep pushing through because I knew it was going to be tough, but I needed those games under my belt and it was good to perform well with the team.

“My goals are to perform consistently and hopefully push towards the under-21s after having a good start to the season. I want to enjoy my football and see where it takes me because it’s a big season for me.

“Seeing players like Bukayo and Emile, it’s really good because they’re at the highest level of the game now. It makes all of us hungry to push there because we know it’s possible.”

Brayden Clarke with Wales u17s (Photo via Clarke on Instagram)

After joining Arsenal in March, Clarke made eight appearances for the u18s in the u18 Premier League before the 2023/24 campaign came to an end in May.

The defender did miss Arsenal’s final game of the season, following an eight-game run in the side, heading off to the u17 Euros with Wales.

Clarke started their opening two group games of the international youth tournament, but missed the third through a yellow-card suspension. Wales were eliminated in the group stage.

Having already made himself an u18 regular in his limited time with Arsenal, Clarke will now look to start getting u21 chances next season.