Arsenal academy products Freya Godfrey and Naomi Williams have both signed their first professional contracts, whilst Michelle Agyemang will sign a professional deal in February when she turns 18 years of age.

Talented winger Godfrey spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Ipswich Town and enjoyed a successful campaign with the Tractor Girls before returning to Arsenal to make her senior debut in May against Brighton & Hove Albion, also featuring against Everton the following week.

Godfrey remarked on “An unbelievable feeling” to sign a professional contract. “It’s incredible to be offered the opportunity and I just hope I can make it count. We’ve seen players come through the academy to the first team so we know what it takes and how hard you have to work.”

17 year old Michelle Agyemang was the first of the trio to make her debut at senior level having first joined the club at the age of six. The England youth international scored her first goal for the first team against Leeds United in February as Arsenal won 9-0 in the FA Cup. 

8-0! What a moment for teenager Michelle Agyemang, who scores her first goal for Arsenal, in some style too ???

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) January 29, 2023

Striker Agyemang said: “This club is like a family to me, so it’s really exciting to be committing to this club and I can’t wait for what the future holds. This is my childhood club and I’m really grateful for the opportunities I have had.” 

Goalkeeper Naomi Williams has been a regular member of match-day squads in the last couple of seasons but is yet to make her senior debut. Williams views the new deal as a chance to push herself to the next level. 

“It feels amazing to have grown up at this club and to have gone through the different levels. Since I first signed for the club as an academy player, the feeling of family and togetherness is always there.” 

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted that Michelle, Freya and Naomi have all put pen to paper on professional terms with us. We’re proud of the number of players that have come through our academy system over the years and gone on to have successful careers at Arsenal and elsewhere in the game. With hard work, consistency and dedication, this group now has the opportunity to shape their future and emulate some of the players who have gone from the youth system to wearing the red and white at senior level.”