Arsenal Yootz...

Pre-season starts for our u21s today, with the traditional match up with Boreham Wood. There have been high profile departures over the summer, but there still remains quality in this team.

The obvious stand-out is Ethan Nwaneri, who will be hoping to be included in the first team pre-season tour. His chances are high, due to international competitions, and he should also be given some first team minutes during the season. No doubt he will be inspired by Lamine Yamals summer, and with the future of the likes of ESR and Nelson up in the air there may be a fast track route to senior football.

It could be an interesting season for Chido Obi-Martins who is expected to be in the u21s IF he stays. Still just 16, if he can prove himself at u21 level there is a chance he could have a look in for senior football at some point.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has developed alongside Nwaneri, but sometimes is overshadowed. Like Nwaneri, MLS should be a regular for the u21s at just 17. A midfielder who is best as B2B but can play DM and even was tried as an inverted LB last season. It will be interesting to see what role he mainly continues his development in. A good first half of the season could lead to loan opportunities in January.

In defence, Ayden Heaven and Maldini Kacurri form a wonderfully named pairing, while Brayden Clarke will hope to get minutes following his January move from Wolves. Heaven has played full back at times, and can play in midfield, although his physique and attributes are most suited to CB. Kacurri is the oldest, at 18, with his peers both 17.
Josh Nichols is likely to play a lot at right back, although he is comfortable in the left back role. Soon to turn 18, Nichols got a few games at u21 and will now expect to establish himself at that level.

Polish midfielder Michael Rosiak should find a role, he is mainly a DM but can play full back or further forward in midfield. A dead ball specialist, he is one who possibly could go on loan. Ismail Oulad M'Hand is another one fighting for a midfield place, and another who may go on loan at some point. Both Ismail and Rosiak could take advantage if Nwaneri is involved in first team, while Jimi Gower is also expected to play a lot in midfield for the u21s. Harrison Dudziak is another in the mix along with Jack Henry Francis, while Louie Copley and Dan Casey will hope to step up from u18s.

The goalkeeping department saw many departures, leaving Brian Okonkwo and Alexei Rojas to fight it out for u21 starting role with any newcomer. Lucas Nygaard has already been added and rumours are we are after Tommy Setford. Loans for Okonkwo and Rojas are very possible, although Colombian youth international Rojas could leave permanently.

There are a few options in the attacking roles, with Ismael Kabia and Osman Kamara hoping to build on decent 23/24 seasons. Seb Ferdinand is another option, while it remains to be seen what the future holds for last seasons first team debutant Charles Sagoe jr


There are still a number of u21s at the club who aren't expected to be involved this season. Charlie Patino, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Omar Rekik, Khayon Edwards, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Salah-Eddine Oulad m'Hand have all had loan spells and are expected to either go on loan or leave permanently this summer. It is unlikely any will have first team involvement.


Further down the age groups, Max Dowman is expected to be heavily involved for the u18s, and it is possible the 14 year old will step up to u21s. The New Years Eve baby maybe even fancy breaking Nwaneri's record for youngest PL player!!

Hopefully today is the start of a great season for the u21s and the academy as a whole. Maybe we will see one or two progressing into first team players...