17-year-old Arsenal midfielder Ben Sheaf signs first professional contract

Arsenal midfielder Ben Sheaf has signed his first professional contract with the club after impressing in his debut season with the club.

"Central midfielder Ben Sheaf has signed his first professional contract with the club," a statement read on Arsenal's official site.

The 17-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners from London rivals West Ham United at the start of the current campaign, and he has made progress since his arrival from Upton Park.

Sheaf has featured regularly for the Arsenal U18's, making 12 appearances in the U 18 Premier League, he has also been a regular fixture in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League squads.

The former West Ham youth product has impressed the coaching staff at the club in his debut season, a highly regarded central midfielder turned down a scholarship offer from his former club to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Sheaf 's impressive performances for Arsenal has seen him being capped at U16 level for England, and has been tipped to be a regular for the Three Lions in the future.

"Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Ben on his first professional contract and looks forward to his continued development at the club," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger was furious with his team and the referee following their 2-1 derby loss to Tottenham on Saturday.

The Frenchman has criticised his defence for letting in cheap goals as Harry Kane stole in to score his second and Spurs' winner in the 86<sup>th minute of the game.

The Gunners boss felt his team were not up to scratch on the offensive side of the game and added that the referee Martin Atkinson like his team was up to the task on the day.

"I wasn't happy with the referee. I felt, like us, he was not at this best. I believe we made too many technical mistakes compared to our usual level — we lost balls we aren't used to losing," Wenger said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.