Arsenal have confirmed that forward Louis Zecevic-John has signed his first professional contract.
Zecevic-John rose to early prominence at the 2019 Gothia Cup, representing Regent’s Park. He scored 21 goals in six games to set a record in the competition.
Zecevic-John then had an unsuccessful trial at Watford before joining Arsenal in 2020.
He made his debut for the U18s in the 2023/24 U18 Premier League opening game at Reading. He went on to make seven appearances for them that season and netted three times.
Last season, the Serbian youngster enjoyed a brilliant campaign for Adam Birchall’s side, registering six goals and seven assists in 18 league games.
His best performance was in the 5-2 victory at Southampton in February. He provided one goal and three assists in the fixture.
Zecevic-John hopes to take inspiration from fellow youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to break into the first team.
He told arsenal.com: “They’re only a few years above me and just looking at the steps they took, Myles wasn’t necessarily a left-back, but taking the opportunity as a left-back.
“Now they’re starting for Arsenal. I think Ethan and Myles are huge inspirations to hopefully follow their tracks to the first-team.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Khari Ranson, who joined Arsenal at the U-10 level, was also handed professional terms.
He initially played as a centre-back and a midfielder before he found his calling as a goalkeeper.
Following unsuccessful trials at Charlton Athletic and Chelsea, he moved to Arsenal.
He helped the Gunners win the Liam Brady Cup at the U16 level. He described the moment as the biggest highlight of his stay at the club.
Ranson debuted in the U18 Premier League two seasons ago but only became a vital player for the team last term when he made 11 appearances.
The English goalkeeper has already made six competitive appearances for the U21s as well as featuring for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
At the international level, Ranson plays for the England U17s despite being born to a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother.
Zecevic-John and Ranson join left-back Cam’ron Ismail and midfielder Louie Copley as the academy players given professional contracts this summer.
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