Arsenal announced on Wednesday that England youth international Zech Medley has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The central defender  is the fifth player from the 2016 first-year scholars to have signed a pro contract with the Gunners, following in the footsteps of Reiss Nelson, Joao Virginia, Emile Smith-Rowe and Nathan Tormey.

Arsenal youth-team expert Jeorge Bird has revealed that one of the intakes yet to be offered a professional contract in the shape of Joseph Olowu is likely to be offered a new deal in the coming months.

The athletic defender was a regular for the U18s last season, and played four matches for the U23s in the Premier League 2.

Olowu, who turns 18 in November, was spotted by Arsenal four years ago while undergoing trials at Charlton Athletic.

Igho Kingsley