Highly-rated Arsenal defender Katie Reid has signed her first professional contract.

The 18-year-old centre-back came through the club’s academy from the age of 13 and made her senior debut in April 2024. 

Reid also spent time on dual registration with Watford last season, impressing in defence for the Women’s Championship side. 

The defender also helped Arsenal Under 21 win the PGA Southern League title last season, before adding to two Women’s Super League appearances with an impressive pre-season campaign with the first team.

Jonas Eidevall confirmed to The Gooner Fanzine in August that Reid would stay with the senior squad for at least the first half of this season, with Amanda Ilestedt on maternity leave as well as injury issues for Leah Williamson and Steph Catley.

The England U19 international said: “I’m so proud to be putting pen to paper on a professional contract at a club that means so much to me.

““Ever since I was a kid and first started playing football, this is what I always aspired to so it means the world. I want to keep working hard and progressing and I can’t wait to continue my development here with Arsenal.”

Head of Player Development James Honeyman reflected: “We’re so proud of Katie’s journey, making her way up through our academy and settling into the first-team squad so well. 

“As a club, a key focus area for us is to ensure that our brightest youth players have clear pathways into first-team football, so we’re delighted to see Katie signing her first professional contract.”

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted that Katie will be continuing her journey with us in the first team. She has been a key part of our academy sides throughout her time here and has stepped up impressively to first-team level in recent weeks and months. 

“Katie has worked hard to get to this point and we know she will continue to invest all her efforts into her future progression and development with us.”