England Youth Internationals Sign Senior Contracts

Signing news! It's becoming apparent that Arsenal's plan to rebuild starts from within. Following what we can dub "The Danielle Carter Route," Jade Bailey (pictured above) and Freda Ayisi have graduated from the club's Centre of Excellence and Academy, and are signing big time senior contracts. Welcome to varsity, ladies.

Both players have seen extended time in the England youth international levels, and both are under the age of 20. These two moves fit right in with the recent contract extensions of Danielle Carter and Jordan Nobbs. With almost all of the big name players moving out, Arsenal's game plan moving forward appears to be sticking the youngins in the fire and letting them learn. It's officially the youth movement era here at the Arsenal.

Bailey is an 18 year old midfielder who has seen time with both the U-19 and U-17 England squads. In the 2013 edition of the U-19 EUROs, Bailey started and played in two matches for England, who fell to France in the final. It's also very clear Bailey will immediately take over the role of "best hair" on the squad (it was a good run, Alex Scott). As for Ayisi, the 17 year old has played so well for the U-17s as of late, she earned herself a call up to the U-20 squad.

The future certainly seems bright for the club, however the present probably leaves something to be desired. The upcoming FA WSL season appears to be shaping up into more of a learning and rebuilding year than a return to dominance. Let's try to remember that slow and steady wins the race. Or something like that.