Arsenal have confirmed that defender Mazeed Ogungbo and goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri have both signed pro contracts with the club.
Both 18, Ogungbo and Ejeheri made 14 and 13 appearances respectively for the club’s under-18s last season giving them a good platform to make the jump to under-23 level in the years ahead.
“To be able to extend my time here is a real honour and I’m really excited for what the future holds here,” said Ireland youth international Ogungbo.
“It’s a very, very special day for me,” said Ovie. “My mum and my dad, they’ve helped me from my whole career, taking me to training, even when it was very, very hard for them, so it’s a good moment for me and them. I’m really excited to keep this journey going.”
Earlier this week, exciting winger Kido Taylor-Hart also signed his first professional contract.
In terms of outgoings, yesterday it was announced that 19-year-old keeper Tom Smith would be spending the 2021/22 season with Welling United in the National League South. He’s the second keeper, after Deyan Iliev, to secure a move away this summer.
Ejeheri is a good prospect but wonder if another of the U23 goalkeepers might go on loan – four seems too many especially if Okonkwo could possibly be involved as well.
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) August 4, 2021
Given the number of young keepers on the books, resident youth expert Jeorge Bird expects another to follow them out the door; James Hillson, Hubery Graczyk and Karl Hein are the three candidates.
I always thought it was Ovie Ogungbo and Mazeed Ejeheri. Can’t believe I’ve been getting it wrong all this time.
Anyway good luck to the pair of them.
9ja to the world
I got a feeling we won’t buy another keeper and either Runarsson will be #2 this season or we’ll make a loan.
Loan is better than £30m on Ramsdale I reckon……should’ve taken Areola
Ryan was just fine. I still don’t get it why we didn’t offer him a 2 year deal. It’s insane, unless we’re looking to replace Leno, which I doubt we have the money for.
Not in this window. Obviously should’ve kept Emi, so lets just get a decent second keeper one loan and put up with Leno freaking out every time he has the ball at his feet for another season. He is a great shot stopper….
Fuck me, that really would be the icing on the cake.
Leno picks up a long term injury early doors and we’re stuck with that goofy clown between the sticks.
It’s embarrassing how much of africa’s talent is claimed by europeans, arabs, n americans. The france world cup winning team was built on african backs. The extravagant african talent on show at the olympics representing other continents is also evidence.
Anyway I guess it is what it is
Those poor immigrants having children! The horror!
I am African from a country with nationals who started for 5 teams at the last Euros but imo, this narative is tired. Many of these so called Africans were born in Europe or the US and identify with their birth countries more than their parents countries of origin.
Look at a player like Matip who destroyed his international career by choosing to play for Cameroon over Germany.
Perhaps I didn’t phrase my observations in a palatable manner judging by the downs. As an african, I meant it is embarrassing 4 us as a continent that we just can’t seem 2 get our affairs in order leading many to emigrate elsewhere. The extravagance of talent I alluded 2 was just 2 show that africa is not as poor as advertised
Actually tried to downvote you twice, but they wouldn’t let me. And I’m Nigerian.
One vote is sufficient. Thank u
All well and good.
Now confirm some new contracts for a top drawer experienced attacking midfielder and a decent right back.
In other news xhaka is about to sign a new 4 year deal. This fucking club… What a joke.