MIKEL ARTETA has concluded his first deal as Arsenal manager after tying down youngster Harry Clarke to a new long-term contract.
The versatile 18-year-old played a crucial role in the young Gunners winning the Premier League South in 2018-19.
Harry Clarke has signed a new long-term contract at ArsenalCredit: Twitter @HarryyClarke6
Now Clarke – who can play in defence or as a defensive midfielder – has put pen to paper on improved terms, having signed his first professional contract in August 2018.
After the club broke the news Clarke tweeted his joy, writing: “Proud to have signed a new long term contract with this great club.
“The hard work continues!”
Clarke has made 11 appearances for Arsenal’s Under-23s in the Premier League 2, with the club losing just once.
Writing on their club website, the Gunners said: “Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Harry on his new contract and we look forward to seeing him develop further.”
Gooners on Twitter seemed equally ecstatic, with one writing: “Congratulations Harry you deserve it class CB partnership with Mavropanos vs Peterborough.”
Another said: “Best CB in the academy.”
A third even called him “the next Tony Adams”.
Arteta is wasting no time getting down to business – having already revealed Freddie Ljungberg will stay on as coach after the Swede’s stint as interim boss came to an end.
The Spanish boss is also hoping to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Kevin Volland.
And Arteta is set to offer Granit Xhaka plus £40million in a bid to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
