Academy trio commit future to Arsenal

We are delighted to confirm that Michelle Agyemang, Freya Godfrey and Naomi Williams have all committed their future to us.

Freya and Naomi have both signed first professional contracts with us, while Michelle has committed to signing a professional deal when she turns 18 in February.

Aged 17, Michelle has been with us since she was six years old. Having worked her way up through the age groups, she made her senior debut in our Barclays Women’s Super League win over Leicester City on November 2022. Michelle then scored her first goal for the first team in our Vitality Women’s FA Cup clash with Leeds United on 29 January.

Freya joined us at the age of 12 and turned 18 in May. She spent last season at Ipswich Town on a dual-registration agreement, but was still able to make two appearances for our first team. Freya made her senior Arsenal debut as a substitute in our Barclays Women’s Super League match away at Brighton & Hove Albion on 10 May, before coming off the bench for her second appearance at Everton on 17 May.

Naomi, who is also 18, has been with Arsenal since the age of 13. Although she is yet to make her senior debut, Naomi was a regular member of match-day squads last season and has travelled on a number of our Champions League trips during the 22/23 campaign.

Michelle 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.” - see full interview

Freya said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. 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.” - see full interview

Naomi said: “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. Pushing yourself to the next level – that’s what Arsenal means to me.” - see full interview

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.”