Arsenal’s major positive from last season was the emergence of exceptional young talent.
Jack Porter broke an Arsenal record during his Carabao Cup debut against Bolton Wanderers by becoming the club’s youngest goalkeeper debutant for 55 years.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly took the Premier League by storm after being thrust into action by Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s injury crisis.
The duo excelled in their performances and have now firmly established themselves as key players within Arsenal’s first-team squad. There could be a repeat performance from Hale End next campaign.
Three Arsenal academy stars to break into Mikel Arteta’s first-team next season
Marli Salmon
At just 15 years of age, Marli Salmon is one of the brightest prospects coming through the Gunners academy and has already been touted as the next William Saliba.
Arsenal believe Salmon is ‘special‘ and it is no wonder with his powerful physical presence, coupled with his elegance on the ball.
Fans have waxed lyrical about Salmon this season during performances for the U18 and U21 sides playing at centre back.
There is real hope that his continued development will lead him into Arteta’s first-team squad at some point next season, perhaps in a cup encounter or even in the Champions League.
Andre Harriman-Annous
Andre Harriman-Annous caught the eye of many last season with his ability to find the back of the net- something Arteta’s side struggled with.
The 17-year-old scored eight times in the U18’s league campaign and also fired three goals on their way to the FA Youth Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
His raw pace and clinical edge in front of goal means he has all of the natural attributes to become a quality centre forward.
Andrea Berta is still negotiating for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres this summer, if he fails in that department, Harriman-Annous may seize his chance.
Max Dowman
Max Dowman is Arsenal’s next star and it will be no surprise to anybody inside the club if he stakes his claim in Arteta’s team this season.
Dowman will be part of Arsenal’s pre-season plans and is expected to travel to the far east, where the Gunners will face AC Milan and North London rivals Spurs as part of their preparations.
The excitement being generated around Dowman is reminiscent of that of Jack Wilshere during Arsene Wenger’s reign and whilst those are big shoes to fill, the 15-year-old has demonstrated he is capable.
Dowman needs to play well in pre-season and he could soon be in the plans alongside Martin Odegaard and Nwaneri in the Gunners creative department.
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