Arsenal defender Dominic Thompson signed his first professional contract with the club this week, according to reports.

Arsenal youth expert Jeorge Bird reports that the 17-year-old has put pen to paper on his new deal, after performing well with the u18s in 2017/18. Towards the end of the league campaign Thompson even took up the captaincy on a number of occasions.

It all implies that the young left-back will make the step up to the u23s next season. He didn’t play a part for the top academy side last campaign, instead starting in almost every round as the u18s reached the FA Youth Cup final.

However, as Thompson’s turning 18 in July, he’s ineligible for that competition in 2018/19. Instead he can take part in the Checkatrade Trophy, which Arsenal are entering for the first time next season.

Currently ahead of the full-back in the u23s is Tolaji Bola, but Bola hasn’t yet accepted a contract extension to remain with the club. If he decides to leave instead, Thompson may end up going straight into the starting eleven.

As well as Thompson, Robbie Burton and Tobi Omole also had offers on the table, per the Premier League retained list. We’ll have to wait and see if they accept them.