Harry Clarke, Jordan McEneff and Tobi Omole all signed their first professional contracts with Arsenal on Saturday, as the trio continue their progress through the club’s academy.

Arsenal announced the three players signing their new deals on the club website on Saturday.

Clarke joined Arsenal from Ipswich Town two years ago, and at the time his career highlight was probably finishing off an Arsenal-esque team goal that went viral on YouTube. Since then he’s moved back into defence, and made 16 appearances for the u18s last season.

McEneff is a Republic of Ireland youth international, who plays as an attacking midfielder. Before joining the Gunners, he actually almost ended up at Spurs like his older brother Aaron, who now plays for Derry City. However, Jordan admitted that after completing both trials, he knew Arsenal was the club for him.

“I was actually invited for a trial by Spurs first,” he explained. “I went along but then Arsenal came in and as soon as I trained with the coaches and players here and used the facilities, I felt more at home and comfortable.”

https://twitter.com/jordanmceneff01/status/1028300353073295360

Omole went through a similar transition to Clarke, starting off as a midfielder when he joined the club, before moving back into defence. In 2017/18 he made most of his appearances at left-back or centre-back. He told the Arsenal website in 2016 that he enjoys being at the back, because you see the whole game in front of you.

“You have to be able to read the game, anticipate moves building in attack from our opponents and support our own attacks when needs be too,” he said. “I’m the sort of player that likes to come out with the ball and help in our build up play.

“There are some defenders who specialise in stopping the opposition at all costs and if they have the ball just give it into midfield as soon as possible. I like to add a bit more and I feel I’m a good passer and can contribute more generally to the team, though I do enjoy defending.”

Hopefully all three have a good season, and keep moving in the right direction towards the first team.