Photo via OfficialArsenalAcademy on Instagram
Arsenal confirmed a new deal for winger Ismeal Kabia over the weekend, with the player putting pen to paper on his second professional contract.
Kabia signed his first pro deal last summer, but that deal would have been capped at a maximum length of three years, meaning it would have expired in 2027 at the latest. This new contract isn’t capped in the same way.
Photo via OfficialArsenalAcademy on Instagram
By extending his contract, Kabia has made himself a more attractive option for Arsenal to loan out this summer. It’s never ideal to loan a player and have them return with just a year left on their deal, as you rarely get value if you then choose to sell.
Kabia has admitted he’s open to that possibility, but he’s also prepared to keep playing for the Arsenal u21s if necessary.
“I think just playing at the highest level, whether that’s here at Arsenal playing PL2 or going out on loan,” Kabia said. “Wherever I can show my ability best really.
“My main goal this season [is] to get more goals and assists. Apart from that I think my game has been pretty all-round, but I think that final touch is what I need to really be working on.”
Photo via OfficialArsenalAcademy on Instagram
Kabia has made a good start on that front, scoring in his first game of the new u21 campaign. The winger’s pace is always a problem for defences, and he probably could have had two goals against Fulham last week if not for a good one-on-one save by the opposition goalkeeper.
Kabia was regularly called up to the Arsenal first-team squad in 2024/25, making 14 squad appearances and getting his debut in the League Cup. He was also a rare positive in the Arsenal u19s’ poor UEFA Youth League campaign, providing four assists in five games.
If he sticks around, the winger could get further first-team chances this season, but a loan would certainly offer them more consistently.
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