Arsenal Football Club

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60432

Wilshere pens Gunners deal

05 Jan 2009 - 16:28:40

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Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere has signed a first professional contract after turning 17 on New Year's Day.

Wilshere, who has made seven first-team appearances this season including one as a substitute in the Premier League, was previously on scholarship forms with the Gunners.

The attacking midfielder made his league debut against Blackburn Rovers in September and then made his first start - and scored his first goal - in the 6-0 Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United later in the month.

"Jack is a player with great potential, with an ability to find the final ball and also score goals," manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.

"Jack is a passionate and committed young player, he is not afraid of tackles and I am convinced he will have tremendous penetrative power in a few years.

"We have already seen Jack's qualities in both his first-team performances and in training on a regular basis and we look forward to him being an important part of our first team for years to come."