Arsenal sign two youngsters on first pro deal

Arsenal announced having signed both 17-year old forwards Amani Richards and Henry Timi Davies on their first professional deals. The official notes follow:

AMANI RICHARDS

"The 17-year-old forward joined us from Chelsea’s academy in March this year.

An England youth international, Amani was raised in Islington and comes from a family of Arsenal supporters. He has delivered a number of promising performances so far, making six appearances for our under-18s so far this season and scoring one goal in the Premier League Cup.

'It's a surreal feeling, especially because it's my boyhood club and I grew up supporting them," Amani told Arsenal.com. "I had a lot of conversations with Per and many other people at the club and I felt like they believed in me a lot and this was the best step for me in my journey'.

Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Amani on his first professional contract and we look forward to seeing his continued development".

HENRY TIMI DAVIES

"The 17-year-old forward joined us from Manchester City’s academy in March. 

Timi made his first appearance for our under-18s in a friendly against Chelmsford City and he scored his first Arsenal goal for our under-18s in a 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle. 

An England youth international, Timi has made three appearances for our under-18s so far this season. 

'It feels amazing, I couldn't have done it without my mum, it's been a long journey,' Timi told Arsenal.com. 'All the effort everyone's put into me and all the belief everyone's shown in me were major factors in me signing this contract.'

Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Timi on his first professional contract and we look forward to seeing his continued development".