Arsenal have handed professional contracts to four members of their successful FA Youth Cup team, while confirming Portugal Under-21 international Amaury Bischoff is one of eight players released.

Goalkeeper James Shea [18] and defenders Luke Ayling [17], Craig Eastmond [18] and Cedric Evina [17] have all been signed on by the Gunners following an impressive campaign which involved the youngsters winning the FA Premier Academy League under the guidance of former centre-half Steve Bould.

However, Bischoff will not be furthering his career at Emirates Stadium and Rui Fonte, who had a spell on loan with Crystal Palace, is also being released at the end of his contract.

Bischoff made just four Arsenal first-team appearances, all as substitute, following his move from Werder Bremen last summer.

The move came as the midfielder battled back to fitness after a long-standing groin injury and manager Arsene Wenger acknowledged then that it was something of a "gamble".

Wenger, meanwhile, is keen to add to his squad following the arrival of Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen, while the future of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is yet to be resolved one way or another, with AC Milan continuing their interest.