Arsenal have completed the signing of centre-back Zech Medley on a scholarship deal, following a successful trial.

Medley, who left Chelsea’s academy at the start of October, was given an opportunity to impress coaching staff and earn a contract at Arsenal.

Medley poses for the camera as he signs his scholarship deal. (Photo: Arsenal's official website)
Medley poses for the camera as he signs his scholarship deal. (Photo: Arsenal’s official website)

At 16-years-old, the talented defender still has plenty of room for improvement, as seen in his shaky debut against Fulham’s u18 side just days after he joined the youth ranks.

Conceding a penalty late on and making a few rash decisions earlier in the game, it was a timely reminder that despite his ability, Medley is still a player who needs to develop further before he can get further opportunities to assert his credentials in the u23s.

Having been at Chelsea since the age of eight, he has been capped internationally with England on seven occasions at u16 level. He can fill in as a full-back when called upon, as shown by manager Dan Micciche’s selection frequency in recent months.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Zech Medley (No.16, top row) pictured before England's u16 international friendly against Czech Republic, back in February this year. Alongside other highly-rated youngsters including Manchester City pair Joel Latibeaudiere (far left) and Jadon Sancho (far right), the 16-year-old has plenty of potential to fufill in the coming years.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Zech Medley (No.16, top row) pictured before England’s u16 international friendly against Czech Republic, back in February this year. Alongside other highly-rated youngsters including Manchester City pair Joel Latibeaudiere (far left) and Jadon Sancho (far right), the 16-year-old has plenty of potential to fulfil in the coming years.

The centre-back pairing in the u18s of late has been Joseph Olowu and Kostas Pileas, but there’s no reason why Medley cannot stake his claim to start there with increasing regularity now that he has signed a scholarship deal.

It’s a welcome selection headache for Kwame Ampadu ahead of their final league fixture of 2016 – an away clash against Southampton on Saturday.