There were many changes announced with regards to the Arsenal U21 squad this week, with a host of players leaving and others being offered their first professional contracts with the club.
Seb Ferdinand was included amongst the latter group, with the winger set to be a fully-fledged member of the U21 setup from next season if he chooses to accept the contract offer.
Ferdinand already possesses some experience of playing for Arsenal at U21 level, notably scoring a brace against Exeter last season in the EFL Trophy, while he has also featured for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
There is likely to be much competition for places out wide in the U21 side next season, with Ismeal Kabia and Osman Kamara having also been offered professional deals.
Ferdinand, though, will be determined to establish himself in the side and his cause is helped by the fact that he can fill in at right-back if required.
The 18-year-old often sends in dangerous crosses and is capable of tracking back well when needed.
There was further cause for celebration for Ferdinand this week as he was named Arsenal’s scholar of the year for the 2023-24 campaign.
A player who is always looking to make progress, Ferdinand has developed well since signing his scholarship contract two years ago and he is now ready to take another major step forward.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Any relation to Franz?
I was going to ask if he was any relation to Rio, but I didn’t want to start a war.
Balon d’war