ARSENAL youngster Ife Ibrahim has ended speculation around his future by signing his first professional contract with the club.
Ibrahim, 18, has been with Arsenal since he was seven years old and he has been likened to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira by fans.
The midfielder has played for England at Under-18 level and trained with Arsenal’s first team this season.
Ibrahim was part of the Arsenal squad that went to La Manga last summer for a pre-season training camp and has thanked Declan Rice for helping him settle.
Ibrahim said: “He gives me tips and always tells me great stuff, so I think I look up to him most in the first team.
“He is just great, he is a great guy and has helped me integrate into the squad.”
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
Ibrahim started his career as a striker and grew up idolising Cristiano Ronaldo.
But the teenager has been transformed into a defensive midfielder that likes to break up play and start attacks.
Ibrahim was scouted by Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham United and Tottenham during his childhood – but chose to join the Gunners.
He was a regular for Arsenal’s Under-18s last season and made his debut at the Emirates when the Gunners hosted Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup.
Most read in Football
OFFERS OF THE DAY
Betfred: Get £50 in free bets – CLAIM HERE
BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets – CLAIM HERE
Tote: Get £30 in free bets + 50 free spins – CLAIM HERE
William Hill: Get £40 in free bets (mobile only) – CLAIM HERE
Betfred: *New customers only. 09:00 on 08/03/24 – 17:30 on 15/03/24. Register with CHELT50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports which settles before 23:59 on 15/03/24. Free Bets: £20 Horse Racing, £20 Football Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Full T&Cs apply.
BetMGM: New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 6 x Free Bets: 4 x £10 Horse racing, 2 x £10 Acca Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org
Tote: New customers online only. £10 min stake (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £30 Tote Credit + 50 Free Spins on selected game within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Tote credit subject to 7-day expiry. Free spins subject to 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.
William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10 or more we will give you 4x £10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. begambleaware.org
Ibrahim said: “Arsenal is a very big club, so I’m very blessed to be here and continue my journey and make it.
“The coaches want to work with you and are willing to improve you, so I thought this was the right decision.”
