Versatile full-back Sophie Harwood is set to sign her first professional contract with Arsenal Women in January, the Gooner Fanzine understands.

Arsenal beat off competition from multiple top Women’s Super League academies to sign the England Under-19 international from Southampton in 2024, and the defender has been a regular in matchday squads this season.

Harwood made her senior debut for Arsenal against West Ham as a substitute in pre-season, impressing from the bench, but is yet to taste competitive action.

The highly-rated right-back turned 18 earlier this month and will pen professional terms with the Gunners in the New Year.

Harwood spent seven years in Southampton’s academy before joining Arsenal, telling the Gooner Fanzine after the move last summer “I just felt like I needed a new challenge. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone.”