Goalkeeper Jack Talbot has signed his first professional contract, extending his time as a Gunner after more than a decade at the club.

Having played for both ourselves and West Ham from the ages of six to nine, Jack committed to Arsenal in 2017, and has impressed between the sticks for us ever since. 

"It's a very special day for me and family," Jack said on signing his pro deal, "I've been at the club for a long time, so to be here now signing my professional contract is obviously a very proud moment for me and my family.

"Definitely a lot of ups and downs, a lot of learning over the 10, 11 years that I've been here, but the main message is just work hard, keep believing in yourself and eventually you'll get to where you want to be."

Jack's journey is a familiar story of graduating from Hale End, and he's had the benefit of making that progress alongside Teshaun Murisa and Brando Bailey-Joseph, who both signed professional deals themselves in recent seasons. 

Playing and winning with his close friends has been one of the highlights of Jack's Arsenal journey so far. 

"This journey isn't easy, and to have boys that have been there with you since the start is obviously a massive help. 

"We understand each other well, on and off the pitch, so it's a special connection to have, knowing each other for so long."

Not only has Jack had the opportunity to play alongside his close friends, but he's also won silverware with his teammates. 

As part of our under-16s side, Jack won the Premier League Cup in 2025, having already tasted success in the adidas Flamengo Cup in Brazil the year before. 

"That was a very special day, one of my favourite days in football." Jack said on the Premier League Cup final. 

"Obviously beating Chelsea in the final at their home pitch is quite a special feeling for any Arsenal player, so that was a great day. 

"[Brazil], that's the furthest I've travelled away from home at that point, to go and play football, and especially in a country like Brazil where the football culture is just so massive, I think that experience, I just valued how much I actually enjoyed playing football."

Jack has certainly been enjoying his football this season as, despite having to battle through some injury problems, he's played a crucial part in our under-18s making a flying start. 

Our young Gunners are on an eight-match winning run in all competitions, sitting just two points off the top of the U18s Premier League South table and already qualified to the knockout stages of the U18s Premier League Cup. 

"I think the atmosphere around the changing room, there's been a real difference recently about all the boys just in it together really, fighting to keep on getting three points, keeping clean sheets. 

"That's just been a real big factor in helping us get over the line in a lot of games, so that's been good. 

"I'd say throughout my journey I've never really had that many injuries, and then last year was quite one after the other. It look a lot of mental resilience and a lot of thinking behind the scenes about how I was going to get through it. 

"But I got through it, just working hard and support from my family and friends, so now I'm here, ready to push on for the season."

Jack made his return to the team for our 3-0 win over Sunderland in the Premier League Cup last weekend, and hopes to use that as a stepping stone for more appearances and more clean sheets this season. 

"I'm just hoping to keep playing games, keep winning matches, hopefully carry on this good run of form. 

"[I want to win] the under-18s Premier League and hopefully FA Youth Cup as well, which would be a good trophy to strive for."

Everyone at Arsenal congratulates Jack on signing his professional contract and looks forward to seeing him in action throughout the season.