There was a significant moment for Brayden Clarke this week, with the defender signing his first professional contract with Arsenal.
The centre-back joined Arsenal in March having previously been at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy, and he was eligible to sign professional terms after turning 17 last week.
Clarke has already gained experience at U18 level and quickly established himself as a regular in the team following his arrival at the club.
This season Clarke will still be eligible to play for the U18s and it is anticipated that he will start off the campaign at that level.
However, as the season progresses Clarke will be aiming to step up to the U21s in some capacity, although there is competition for places with the likes of Zane Monlouis, Josh Robinson, Maldini Kacurri and Ayden Heaven in the squad.
Clarke, though, will be determined to take any opportunities that he is given. The youngster is strong physically and reads the game well, while he has featured for Wales at two U17 European Championships.
The prospect will be aiming to ensure that his first full campaign at Arsenal is a memorable one and now that he has the security of a professional contract he can focus on achieving his objectives.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
We have a maldini
Maldini is his first name, features heavily in episode 4 of the Hale End doc from a couple years back