Zak Swanson has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal, proving himself a valuable asset for the u18s this season.

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Zak Swanson signs his first pro contract with Arsenal. Arsenal Training Ground. London Colney, Herts, 29/3/19. Credit: Arsenal Football Club / David Price

In the second contract announcement of the day, after Mark McGuinness agreed professional terms with the club, Arsenal revealed that Zak Swanson had also put pen to paper on a professional deal.

Swanson has been with the club for even longer than McGuinness’ eight years, having joined the Gunners as a six-year-old. That means two-thirds of his life so far has been spent as an Arsenal player!

This season, Swanson has mostly played as a left-back, as an alternative to summer signing Joel Lopez, who is still in an adaptation period after joining from Barcelona. Lopez only just turned 17 a few days ago, so it’s understandable that he’s been in and out of the team a bit so far.

When Lopez has started, Swanson has moved around the pitch to fill in elsewhere, including at right-back and in midfield. That versatility could prove very useful to him as he steps up to the u23s and maybe the first team someday.

The English youngster has scored a few goals too, which is always a bonus, but the majority of his work is at the defensive end. Congratulations to him on the new deal!