Arsenal poised to offer Nigeria-eligible striker Timi Davies professional contract as he turns 17

ENGLISH Premier League side Arsenal are poised to conclude a contract with striker Henry Timi Davies involving his deal with the Gunners being automatically upgraded to a professional contract on his 17th birthday today

Davis, 16, is a product of the Arsenal youth  academy but with the club now struggling, manager Mikel Arteta is having to fast-track promising talent into the first team. A former Manchester City schoolboy, Davis was among the new intake of Arsenal's academy scholars during the 2021/'22 season.

His scholarship deal with the Gunners will be automatically upgraded to a professional contract on his 17th birthday. In England, players are permitted to sign professional contracts with Premier League clubs on or after their 17th birthday even though they are required to start the season as scholars.

Born November 27, 2004, the Anglo-Nigerian starlet is celebrating his 17th birthday today and his first professional contract will keep him at Arsenal until at least the end of the 2023/24 season. Davis made his competitive debut for Arsenal U18s in a Premier League Cup clash against West Ham United in September and was a non-playing substitute for three games in the U18 Premier League.