Arsenal youth midfielder Mauro Bandeira has signed a professional contract with the club.

Arsenal have confirmed that Mauro Bandeira has signed a new contract with the club, his first professional deal.

The midfielder’s deal with the Gunners would have come to an end this month if he hadn’t extended.

“There’s no better feeling than signing this contract with my boyhood club,” Mauro said.

“The atmosphere at the training ground is a place where you come to get better, everyone here supports us, so this is somewhere I want to be and grow as a player and a person.”

18-year-old Bandeira made more than 20 appearances for the Arsenal u18s last season, as well as making his u23 debut in January. He scored two goals and provided five assists.

Goals and assists aren’t Bandeira’s entire game, but he has a good long shot and the technicality to create chances from the middle.

The teenager is a good all-rounder, which puts him in a strong position for eventual first-team chances.

Mikel Arteta’s current midfielders have to do a lot defensively as well as with the ball, so you need both sides to your game.

Bandeira will step up to the u21s this season, and this new contract ensures Arsenal can take a long-term approach with him now.