'Really impressive' - Arsenal announce signing of ex-Rangers winger who has already blown away academy boss Per Mertesacker

Stevens, who has represented England at U17 and U18 level, now finds himself back in his homeland. He made just one senior appearance for Rangers, in a Scottish League Cup clash with Queens of the South in August 2022 - when he was just 16 years of age.

A loan spell was taken in at Dunfermline Athletic of the Scottish Championship last season, allowing more useful game time to be seen. Stevens will now be dropping back from senior action and into the U21 ranks at Arsenal.

Terms have been presented to him after impressing during a trial spell. Arsenal’s academy manager Per Mertesacker has told the club’s official website: “Since Archie has been with us, he has really impressed as a person and player. He has fit into our environment seamlessly and has been really impressive in matches and in training. Archie has absolutely earned this next stage in his career with his professional contract with us. We welcome Archie to our Academy and are all looking forward to working with him in his continued development.”

Stevens said of lining up against Chelmsford City and Monaco II in pre-season friendlies, with the target being found against French opposition: “My first game was against Chelmsford in pre-season, I think I gave a good account of myself. Then we had the Monaco game out in France, which was a great opportunity. I came on in the last 30 minutes, so I wanted to make an impact. I saw the ball come to me in quite a wide area, but I thought I need to get something away, whether it’s a shot or a pass and I went for goal.”

He added on his ambition: “I can't wait to show what I can do. Obviously, it's such a massive club, so it's a dream come true to be here, I'm just grateful for the opportunity.”

Arsenal’s academy system is famed for producing first-team stars, with Bukayo Saka continuing to fly that flag at present alongside fellow England international Myles Lewis-Skelly and exciting 15-year-old playmaker Max Dowman.