Arsenal youngster Ife Ibrahim has signed his first professional contract with the Gunners, with the club confirming the news on Tuesday morning.
18-year-old Arsenal youth midfielder Ife Ibrahim had been the subject of some speculation this month, with the player entering the final six months of his scholarship contract in north London.
There were some suggestions that the player could look to move on, but those rumours have now been put to bed by Arsenal’s announcement that the teenager has signed professional terms to stay where he is.
“I think it’s a blessing, you know, a great opportunity,” Ibrahim said. “Not many people get to sign a professional contract, so I’m very grateful and blessed to be here.”
“I came here when I was at the age of seven,” the midfielder added. “I went through the pre-academy stage and then got signed at the age of nine. I’ve been here ever since.
“I always say it’s a privilege. Arsenal’s a very big club, so I’m very blessed to be here and continue my journey and make it.
“I think the environment is very good here. The people around me are very nice, very caring. The coaches want to work with you and are willing to improve you, so I thought this was the right decision.”
Ibrahim has made 20 appearances for Arsenal this season across various age groups, starting the season with the u18s but pushing on to make five appearances for the u19s and 12 for the u21s.
Ibrahim also became an England u18 international this season, making his debut appearances in a couple of friendly matches against France in October.
With the next few years of his career now tied to Arsenal, Ibrahim can now focus fully on his football again.