A Gunner since she was just eight years old, Carla Humphrey has signed her first Arsenal contract.

Now 18, the English under19 international was the top scorer in the development league last season, finding the net no fewer than 22 times from 20 appearances (a stat that you’d think Arsenal.com might have realised didn’t quite tally with their report that she was a midfielder) and also finished with the approval of her peers as she was voted Players’ Player of the Year.

Picked out by our resident ladies expert as one of four up-and-coming stars to watch out for (he’s known her since she was 15), she is one of the most creative forwards to have come through the youth system, able to not only find the net with ease but pick (and play) the killer pass.

Carla tweeted her delight and putting pen to paper.

She said

(Pictured with Pedro Losa)

Arsenal legend, Faye White, upon hearing the news tweeted to say

Love this…just shows that hard work, dedication and great attitude gets its rewards!

Still awaiting her call-up to the first team, she scored a hattrick in the U17 National Cup Final proving she can do it when the pressure is on.

Mostly utilised in wide positions, her future surely lies as a second striker or playmaker when she makes the step up as she have proven to be far more dangerous when in central positions.