Xavier Amaechi is delighted to have signed his first professional contract with Arsenal on his 17th birthday.

Amaechi took to Twitter after the news was announced that the 17-year-old had put pen to paper on his first professional deal with Arsenal.

https://twitter.com/XavierAmaechi/status/949300184101605376

The winger, who’s been at the club since August 2013, has netted an impressive three goals in three u18 Premier League appearances this season.

Considering the teenager has been at Arsenal since he was just 12, signing this deal, on his 17th birthday no less, would have been a huge step for him.

It’s also good to see the Gunners tying down young talent.

Amaechi is considered one of the best players in his age group at the academy. Despite being so young, he’s already appeared for Arsenal’s u23 side.

He’s also lightning-quick and capable of scoring a stunner, as he demonstrated with his goal during the Arsenal u18s’ 6-0 win over Spurs.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/934406438667071494

Although I imagine Amaechi, who’s English and Nigerian, won’t be breaking into Arsenal’s first team for a few years yet, it’s reassuring to see that we’re nurturing talent from our own academy.

It’s also great to see youngsters genuinely grateful for the opportunity to continue playing in red and white.

Hopefully, as the winger says, the hard work continues and we see him in the future.