Arsenal have bolstered their academy ranks with the signing of Anglo-Nigerian youngster Noah Laditan.

A delighted Laditan took to social media on Saturday morning to confirm that his move to the Arsenal academy is now in the bag, and he joins the Emirates outfit from Southend United youth team.

The former Shrimpers starlet has signed schoolboy forms with the Gunners and will be aiming to sign a scholarship with the category one academy club in the future.

The likes of Folarin Balogun, Ovie Ejeheri, Arthur Okonkwo, Ryan Alebiosu and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji were schoolboys at Arsenal before signing scholarships at Arsenal, and the same applies to Hale End Academy products Alex Iwobi, Chuba Akpom and Chuks Aneke.

Writing on Instagram, Laditan stated : "Happy to say I’ve officially signed with @officialarsenalacademy after 2 great years with @sufcrootshall . A new chapter for me in this beautiful journey".

Eleven players of Nigerian descent have been registered by Arsenal for the first half of the Premier League season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel