Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hands 17-year-old academy starlet Nathan Tormey first professional deal
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has handed 17-year-old academy starlet Nathan Tormey his first professional contract.
The 17-year-old winger has been with the Gunners since joining the youth system at Under-12 level.
Wenger pinched the youngster, who grew up as an Arsenal fan, from bitter rival Tottenham's academy.
A Gunners statement said: "Congratulations to Nathan Tormey, who has signed his first professional contract with the club.
"Nathan, 17, is a technically gifted and pacey winger.
"A boyhood Arsenal fan, he joined our Hale End academy at under-12 level.
"We all look forward to Nathan's continued progress with the club this season."
Tormey will now hope that he can make progress towards the first team, with Wenger currently taking a close look at his youngsters in pre-season.
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cohen Bramall both played in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Under-20 World Cup winner Maitland-Niles, 19, played six cup games last season and came off the bench in a 4-1 league win over Sunderland.
Left-back Bramall, 21, cost the Gunners just £40,000 when he signed from non-league Hednesford Town last season.
Alex Iwobi is the most high-profile graduate to come through the Gunners academy in recent years, showing Wenger is willing to give youngsters a chance if they show their quality,
