Maro Itoje’s nephew signs professional contract at Arsenal

One Arsenal youth star, who’s uncle is rugby star Maro Itoje, has signed his first professional contract at the club.

Andre Harriman-Annous has taken a significant step forward in his football career after penning his first professional contract with Arsenal. The young attacker, nephew of British & Irish Lions captain and lifelong Arsenal fan, Maro Itoje, has been rewarded for his impressive development since joining the club in May 2016.

The promising forward has excelled during his time at both Hale End and Sobha Realty Training Centre. The club’s faith in his potential was made evident when he went on pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong with the first team this summer.

Harriman-Annous comes from a family steeped in sporting excellence. His brother Brandon also progressed through Arsenal’s academy system, and played in Hull City’s youth setup last campaign. However, it’s his uncle Itoje who serves as perhaps his biggest inspiration.

Itoje, who was confirmed as British & Irish Lions captain in May 2025, has provided invaluable support throughout Harriman-Annous’ young career: “I speak to him quite a bit. I think he’s in Australia at the moment with Lions, so I’ve been watching him, keeping in contact with him,” Andre revealed.

The Saracens star’s influence extends beyond family ties. At 30 years old, Itoje also captains England and has been nominated three times for World Rugby Player of the Year: “But he’s another great inspiration. Obviously, he’s doing at one of the highest levels in another sport. So something I could look up to.”

Seeing academy stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri flourish during their time at the club has also served as motivation for the Englishman. Both teenagers have enjoyed remarkable breakthrough campaigns, with Lewis-Skelly establishing himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back and Nwaneri contributing eight goals across all competitions.

“It’s a really good day to sign my first professional contract. I’m a fan of Arsenal so it’s a dream come true really,” he said.

The forward hopes to make regular under-21 appearances, and possibly make his first-team debut, with the target of being selected in England’s under-19 European Championship squad at the end of the campaign.