James Olayinka has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal, stepping up from his previous status as a second-year scholar at the club.

Arsenal confirmed in late January that Olayinka had signed professional terms with the club. The 18-year-old has made the step up from the u18s to the u23s this season, having progressed through the club ranks ever since he was seven years old.

Given all the talent in the youth teams at the moment, Olayinka has had to show his versatility by filling in wherever the u23s need him. He’s played as a central midfielder for the most part, but he’s also appeared in every available position on the right-hand side, as well as once at left-wing too.

The teenager has also spent some time training with the Arsenal first team this season (per Jeorge Bird), so Unai Emery has had a chance to get a look at him.

Recently, Olayinka impressed in Arsenal’s 5-2 FA Youth Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. When the midfielder came on at half-time, the u18s were 2-1 down, but they got back into the match with his help.

Olayinka’s main position as a deep-lying midfielder means he doesn’t get involved in the goals very often, although he did set up Tyreece John-Jules’ winner against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the season.

Congratulations to James on his new deal, and good luck to him with his continued development!