Arsenal Youngster Zech Medley Signs First Professional Contract With the Gunners

Arsenal have confirmed that youngster Zech Medley has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old defender joined the Gunners from Chelsea in December and has impressed in the youth setup.

He has established himself as a regular for England U18 national team, and is a player considered by Arsenal staff to have excellent potential.

The technically gifted teenager emphasised earlier this year that Arsenal's focus on possession based football was a major factor in his decision to move to the north London club.

"There are a number of similarities with the training," Medley said, quoted by the Metro. "But the big difference is that there is a far greater emphasis on technique at Arsenal.

"I’m comfortable on the ball and I like to play out from the back, so the way Arsenal play suits me perfectly."

Ross Kinnaird/GettyImages

Medley had played for Chelsea since the age of eight, but was surprisingly released by the Blues in November last year.

He was offered a trial at the Emirates six weeks later, and impressed enough to earn a scholarship deal.

Medley became Arsenal's 12th intake of the year following his arrival, and went on to establish himself as a top performer in the club's U18 squad.