Arsenal youth duo Harrison Dudziak and Ismeal Kabia are set to sign their first professional contracts with the club, according to a report.
Jeorge Bird reports for Arsenal Youth that Harrison Dudziak and Ismeal Kabia are both set to sign professional deals with Arsenal ahead of next season, having reached the end of their scholarship contracts with the club.
With the Arsenal academy season coming to an end on Saturday, some players may have played their final games for the Gunners’ youth teams. But Dudziak and Kabia look prepared to extend their stays.
Dudziak primarily featured for the Arsenal u18s this season, making 20 appearances for the side between the u18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup.
But the 18-year-old midfielder also made five appearances for the u19s in the UEFA Youth League, and he played another seven times for the u21s.
Given his age, Dudziak will have to step up to the u21s full time next season. Having captained the u18s to a third-place finish this year, a professional deal and progression to the top academy side are fair rewards for his efforts.
As for Kabia, the 18-year-old winger has already made that step up to the u21s, playing more minutes for the side than the u18 team and finishing the campaign with five consecutive Premier League 2 starts.
The teenager has previously had injury problems hampering his development, so his goal for next season will be to have a consistent campaign with the u21s and to push his game to the next level.