Demiane Agustien signs professional contract

Demiane Agustien believes Arsenal is the best place to be for his development after signing his first professional contract with us.

The exciting Dutch midfielder has spent the last two seasons with Derby County, impressing in the under-18 Premier League with 16 goal contributions.

But having spoken with our Head of Academy, Per Mertesacker, Demiane knew coming to N5 was the perfect fit.

He said in his first interview: “I'm just very pleased, obviously playing for a big club. Can't wait to get started and play for Arsenal.

“I think the way they’ve got the ex-pro footballers here as well, which is something big within the club.

“Obviously, you've got the likes of Per [Mertesacker], which I've obviously spoken to as well, and I know his values.

“They're very high and he wants to create a better player, but also a better person, which is a great statement as well.”

Demiane isn’t the only footballer in his family, with his father Kemy Agustien playing for Swansea City in the Premier League.

Kemy, also a midfielder, featured for the Swans in 2011 as both Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker made their debuts for us in a 1-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.

On his father’s career benefitting his own, Demiane said: “My dad has played professional football as well before. He played for the likes of Swansea, Brighton, Crystal Palace, really good to be fair.

“He helps me a lot as well and so does my mum as well. So good combination to have."

Demiane has looked up to multiple players within our first team, especially Jurrien Timber, as the midfielder explains, their connection goes beyond being from the Netherlands.

He said: “Obviously, I've known about him because he's a Dutch player, but he's also from Curaçao, a small Caribbean island, where I'm from and not many people from the Netherlands and from Curaçao live in the UK.

“So therefore, it's nice to obviously see him, train with him as well and see the levels of what brought him here and what got him here.”

The teenager is looking to hit the ground running in his maiden season with the club.

He said: “I'll just look to make a statement on why I think I'm good enough to be playing for Arsenal and really prove myself and eventually, hopefully, I can make some appearances with the first team hopefully or to be on a bench as well and gain experience. Would be amazing for this season.”

The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

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