Pre-season has only just started at academy level but it is already evident that the club’s long-held philosophy of fast-tracking talented youngsters remains intact.
Max Dowman is seemingly part of the U21 squad despite technically having only just become an U16 player and that in turn could create space for another prospect to establish himself in the U18 squad.
Kyran Thompson, who joined Arsenal last season having previously been at West Ham’s academy, has already made his debut for the U18s and the expectation is that he will be part of the squad at that level this season.
Usually deployed out wide but also capable of playing in midfield or up front, Thompson is a very direct player who relishes driving at opposing defences.
Thompson was initially at Hale End when he was very young and he returned to the club with a reputation for being one of the standout prospects in his age group.
Last season Thompson often made an impact while playing above his age group for the U16s and it is hoped that a similar pattern will follow at U18 level this season.
Given that he has already been allocated an official squad number in 96, it is possible that Thompson could have a part to play for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League this season and a callup to the U21 squad at some stage also cannot be ruled out.