The young Arsenal centre back, Vyan Sampson, is extending her time with the club having come through the youth teams ranks.

It’s welcome news after seeing many of her team-mates from the same generation leave the club in recent weeks.

If we look at the team that won the FA Girls’ Youth Cup i.e. the u17 national cup in May 2013, Leah Williamson and Vyan Sampson are the sole survivors who made the first team. Phillipa Cowley and Alysha Stojko-Down currently play for the Development team but are unlikely to make the grade, because there is a long queue ahead of them.

Happy to have signed my new contract with club! Hopefully this team can go on to do big things! ⚽️🔴⚪️

A photo posted by Vyan sampson (@vvsampson) on

Vyan recently lost her shirt number (#4) when the club signed Fara Williams, an unusual move from the club, and she is currently listed without a squad number. It was certainly worrying considering a couple of seasons ago, Reading were interested in signing her as things were not going well under Shelley Kerr.

Another homegrown player leaving following her old team-mates Jade Bailey and Carla Humphrey’s departure would have sent a strong message, so it is a relief to see her sign a new contract.

The club now is in a very strong position with four quality centre backs. An experienced one in Casey Stoney, an up and coming England hopeful with one cap in Jemma Rose, and Vyan Sampson, a player with huge potential who could challenge those two girls soon.

Not to forget Lotte Wubben-Moy, the youngster has just turned 17 but showed great promise last season playing in the League and in Continental Cup. Leah Williamson can also be used if needed at center back.

Let’s hope the club assign Vyan a squad number soon and we are looking forward to see her at the centre of the defense in the forthcoming season.