Arsenal youngsters sign new pro contracts

Arsenal have confirmed academy midfielders Teshaun Murisa and Maalik Hashi have signed their first professional contracts, a significant step for two players who have pushed into older age groups during the 2025-26 season. The announcements, made on the club’s official channels, underline Arsenal’s continued focus on securing leading Hale End talent as players approach the under-21s bracket.

In practical terms, first professional deals are not presented as guarantees. They are a marker that a player has earned a longer runway inside the system. They also matter in an era when top academies compete to keep hold of prospects once they approach professional eligibility. For Arsenal, tying down Murisa and Hashi continues a broader pattern of converting standout scholars into young professionals before the next developmental jump.

Murisa’s deal is the next stage in a long association with the academy. Arsenal have highlighted that he has been at the club since he was six, with the midfielder now moving on to professional terms after more than a decade in the system.

In his interview with Arsenal Media, Murisa said: “I’m very delighted to achieve my dream of signing my first professional contract. Especially with such a big club like Arsenal.” He added: “I’ve been here since I was six, so it means even more to me, and I’m just really thankful to my family for always supporting me.” On the pitch, Murisa has been a regular at under-18 level this season, with 17 appearances, and has also begun to sample older football with involvement in the UEFA Youth League and an EFL Trophy outing for the under-21s.

Hashi’s route has been quicker. He joined Arsenal in December 2022, signing scholarship terms last summer and has now moved on to a first professional deal after establishing himself in the under-18s picture.

In speaking with Arsenal Media, the impact of the current Arsenal first team is clear, with Declan Rice being a stand out example that many of the academy look to follow: “Just being around the first team, just looking up to them and taking notes of how they work on themselves day in, day out and just seeing how they work is really inspirational.

“(Declan’s) attitude, every time he comes in, he’s always smiling, ready to train, ready to put the work in."

Hashi also stressed the personal significance of the milestone. “I’m really excited, it’s a proud moment for me and my family,” he said, adding: “It’s my family with me as well and helping me every day to get better.”