Arsenal and Edu Gaspar have reportedly made the decision to trigger a clause that will extend Dan Ballard’s contract with the club by an extra two years.
According to Football London, the Gunners are keen to keep Ballard beyond his current contract. The Northern Ireland international’s deal expires next summer, though this will now be extended until 2024.
Ballard is one of many players Arsenal have out on loan. And just like William Saliba and Harry Clarke, the young centre-back is thriving away from the north London side.
The 22-year-old has cemented a spot for himself with Championship side Millwall. With Ballard starting all but one game for the south London side this campaign.
Ballard is regarded as one of the best youth prospects at Arsenal, so extending his contract seems like a no-brainer for the club. The defender is a full international with Northern Ireland already.
Indeed, with the youngster not playing a single Premier League minute yet, it is impressive that Ballard is already a key part for his national team. Yet in the Championship, the defender is progressing nicely.
Arsenal fans laud contract decision on Ballard
Ballard extending his contract with Arsenal means that the Gunners won’t lose out on the defender for free next summer. And supporters are buzzing about this news.
Here’s what some supporters had to say on Twitter about the club extending Ballard’s contract…
https://twitter.com/hrgianninotti/status/1455940161280282624
https://twitter.com/tsxbc_/status/1455909678001627141
https://twitter.com/KESH/status/1455896742357082124
https://twitter.com/VigorousWenger/status/1455884103383871491
https://twitter.com/Lordjedusor/status/1455893204935528453
https://twitter.com/_Deji27/status/1455969707606036480
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