Arsenal youngster Wellesley-Smith signs first professional deal | OneFootball

Arsenal teenager Cecily Wellesley-Smith has signed her first professional contract with the club.

The Gunners announced the news via a post on their official club website this morning.

The 18-year-old defender joined Arsenal from FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division club Oxford United last summer. The youngster attracted The Gunners’ attention after making 18 appearances for Oxford United in the 2023/2024 FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, helping the club to a fifth-place finish.

A hectic 2024/2025 campaign saw Wellesley-Smith continue her development in a dual-registration spell back at Oxford United while she also made a contribution to Arsenal’s Professional Game Academy League side’s title success.

The youngster has been invited to train with Renée Slegers’ first team squad and she will be hoping to make her senior debut for Arsenal after signing professional terms with the club.

After penning her first professional deal, Wellesley-Smith said “I’m so proud to sign my first professional contract with Arsenal.

“During my time here so far, I’ve loved learning from some of the best players and staff in the game and gaining an understanding of what it means to represent this great club. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard in order to keep progressing and building as I begin my journey in the professional game.”

Wellesley-Smith could play a part in Arsenal’s pre-season programme when the players resume training later this summer.