Of the 15 Arsenal youngsters that signed scholarship terms in the summer of 2022 only Michal Rosiak has progressed to professional terms so far. Decisions will have to be made on the futures of the remaining 14 players before...
Of the 15 Arsenal youngsters that signed scholarship terms in the summer of 2022 only Michal Rosiak has progressed to professional terms so far.
Decisions will have to be made on the futures of the remaining 14 players before their deals expire at the end of June next year.
Striker Omari Benjamin was a key player in the FA Youth Cup last season but has found himself on the bench at times for the U18s this campaign. However, he has often made an impact as a substitute and featured prominently for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League so it seems likely that he will get a professional deal.
Defender Luis Brown has mainly played at left-back this season having usually been deployed at centre-back last campaign. Brown is progressing well and was impressive for the U18s against Crewe Alexandra in the FA Youth Cup.
Goalkeepers Noah Cooper and Alexei Rojas have been involved in an ongoing battle for game time. Cooper has often been preferred for the U18s, while Rojas played every minute for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League. It is possible that they could both be offered professional contracts if some of the older goalkeepers depart.
However, Brian Okonkwo appears to be in danger of behind released. Okonkwo had a loan spell at Leatherhead to add to his one-game stint at Hitchin last season but the goalkeeper has barely featured for Arsenal.
Midfielder Harrison Dudziak has often captained the U18s this season and has also featured in the UEFA Youth League and for the U21s, so it seems likely that he will be granted an extended stay.
Winger Seb Ferdinand has continued to impress for the U18s and also featured for the U19s. He also made an impact for the U21s, scoring twice against Exeter City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Romari Forde has been extremely unlucky with injury and has yet to play this season. Last campaign the winger featured just four times and a decision will have to be made over whether to keep him.
Ismeal Kabia spent most of the first half of the season out injured after also enduring difficulties last campaign. However, the winger has recently made his debuts for the U21s and the U19s and also made an impact as a substitute against Crewe Alexandra in the FA Youth Cup so he could be kept on.
Albanian youth international defender Maldini Kacurri looks likely to be offered a professional contract. Kacurri has been a regular for the U18s, with the centre-back also involved with the U19s in addition to making a fleeting appearance for the U21s.
Winger Osman Kamara saw his progress disrupted by an injury earlier in the season but he remains a talented player and has been involved with the older age groups.
Right-back Josh Nichols has developed very well this campaign and was heavily involved for the U19s. He has also featured for the U21s and has filled in at left-back at times.
Kamarni Ryan has often impressed as a substitute for the U18s but has found it difficult to break into the starting lineup. He was named on the bench for the U21s against Exeter but isn’t guaranteed to be kept on despite being very talented.
Defender Coby Small has yet to play this season due to injury. However, he is now back fit and was named on the bench for the U19s and in the FA Youth Cup. Small will have to impress in the second half of the season.
Overall, players such as Benjamin, Ferdinand, Dudziak, Kamara, Kacurri, Brown, Nichols, Rojas and Cooper seem likely to be kept on.
Ryan, Small, Brian Okonkwo and Forde aren’t guaranteed to get contracts but there is still time for things to change.
Kabia appears to be on the right track to get a professional contract if he can stay fit.
