Released Arsenal youngster Levi Laing has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United, following a trial.

Back in early June, Arsenal confirmed that Levi Laing would be leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer. Laing has now announced that he’s signed his first professional contract with West Ham United.

Laing wrote on Instagram: “Happy to sign my first professional contract at West Ham, looking forward to the new challenge.”

In general, transfers are a pretty secretive business, but Laing’s exit was certainly no surprise. The 18-year-old had already spent half the season on trial with West Ham, making 13 appearances for their u18s and two for their u23s.

Laing even featured for West Ham against Arsenal a couple of times, though fortunately, the Gunners came out on top on both occasions.

The defender can play at right-back or centre-back, but he mostly featured in the centre of defence on his trial.

Arsenal are well-stocked at the back, so it was inevitable at least a few players would move on. Laing was often praised by his teammates for his humble attitude, and hopefully, that should serve him well with his new club.