Wilshere pens Gunners deal

Arsenal tie down teenage sensation

Last updated: 5th January 2009

Wilshere pens Gunners deal

Wilshere: Pro deal

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Jack Wilshere has been handed his first professional contract at Arsenal.

The young midfielder, who turned 17 on New Year's Day, has already made his first-team debut and became the youngest-ever player to play a league game for the club when he featured at Blackburn in September.

Now the Gunners have wasted little time in securing Wilshere's long-term future.

"We are delighted that Jack has signed a professional contract with us," said Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

"Jack is a player with great potential, with an ability to find the final ball and also score goals.

"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 Jack being an important part of our first team for years to come."