Three Young Guns: Arsenal
With Arsenal preparing to splash the cash this summer on rebuilding their side, younger players could struggle to get a chance at the Emirates.
But as Arsene Wenger prepares to get his chequebook out, he should not forget the young talent he has at his disposal.
We take a look at three young guns all staking a claim to be part of Wenger’s first team plans.
Rob Holding
The classy centre-half was hurled into the starting line-up for the first game of last season after making the switch from then-League One outfit Bolton Wanderers in the summer.
It was not an enjoyable debut as Liverpool ran riot at the Emirates, bagging four goals and three points in the process.
But after a torrid start the England U21 international proved his worth and produced a heroic performance in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
He might be behind Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi in the pecking order but with performance like the one he produced at Wembley, Arsenal’s backline is in very safe hands.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Alex Iwobi
The Arsenal academy product burst onto the scene in 2016, netting twice in his first two starts for the Gunners against Everton and Watford.
The 21-year-old has now established himself in Arsene Wenger’s squad, making 26 league appearances last season, scoring three times.
The nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha, the tricky winger has bags of pace and a directness which terrifies defenders.
With plenty of potential, Iwobi will need to add more goals and consistency to his game but the signs are looking good for the Nigerian international.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Part of the England U20 side that emerged triumphant at this summer’s World Cup in South Korea, Maitland-Niles has a winning mentality.
Photo credit: Getty Images
After spending the 2015/16 on loan at Ipswich Town, the 19-year-old has been around the main squad for the past season, making seven appearances last year in all competitions.
One of the academy graduate’s main strengths is his versatility on the pitch, having been deployed as right-back, centre-mid and as a winger already in his short Arsenal career.
The youngster put in a classy performance against Southampton in the FA Cup last campaign and his flexibility could be crucial for years to come.
