On top of the double contract extension announcement for Arsenal’s managers, the club announced new deals for two players this week.

Tom Smith signing his contract extension with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Tom Smith signing his contract extension with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Social media was abuzz this morning with the news of contract extensions for Mikel Arteta and Jonas Eidevall, but those were actually the third or fourth contract announcements in 24 hours.

On Thursday, Arsenal confirmed a new deal for loanee Tom Smith, a 20-year-old goalkeeper who has spent the season with Welling United.

Given Smith signed his first professional deal in 2019 and hadn’t extended since then, his contract would have been up this summer – there’s a three-year maximum on first professional deals, including the rest of the season in which you sign it.

The extension means Smith will now be able to stay with Arsenal beyond the end of the season, though they’ll likely look to loan him out again.

Smith looked to have broken into the Welling United starting lineup in September, but a long-term injury kept him on the sidelines from then on.

Arsenal seemingly decided not to recall him though, as he’s continued to attend Welling matches since the January window.

Steph Catley after signing her contract extension with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Steph Catley after signing her contract extension with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

The other contract announcement was on the women’s side, with Steph Catley agreeing a new deal. Catley has made 41 appearances for Arsenal in the last couple of years, and at 28 it’s a great time to get her tied down for a few more seasons.

“It feels absolutely incredible,” Catley said. “I’ve been here for two years now and I’ve made some incredible friendships and I feel right at home here.

“I’ve been through some tough times and some great times and I feel that I’m growing so much as a person and as a player. I’m just happy to call Arsenal home for another few years.”