Arsenal have taken a host of youngsters on their pre-season training camp to La Manga in Spain.
Mikel Arteta’s senior squad are preparing for their trip to Asia later this month where they will play both AC Milan and Newcastle United before facing rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
And whilst Arsenal fans will be excited to get a first glimpse of Martin Zubimendi and other new signings in those games, there will also be some keen eyes on the likes of Max Dowman.
Dowman is one of several academy players who are currently in Spain with the first team, all vying for a spot on the plane to Hong Kong.
And alongside the likes of Josh Nichols and Maldini Kacurri, Ismeal Kabia is one of the more senior Hale End academy stars hoping to be involved.
And judging by pictures of the 19-year-old in Spain, he’s returned with a point to prove.
Ismeal Kabia returns to Arsenal pre-season looking a lot stronger
A right-footed right winger, Kabia made his Arsenal debut in a nine minute cameo against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup last season.
Arsenal regularly called Kabia up to senior training throughout the season and Arteta clearly appreciates what the youngster has to offer.
But it would seem that the youngster has now recognised the need to bulk up physically to take the next step in his career, that’s at least judging by pre-season pictures.
Ismeal Kabia during Arsenal pre-season training.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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Kabia looks almost unrecognisable to the player who was previously praised by Jack Wilshere when he was in charge of the academy sides.
And perhaps that change will help Kabia compete for a first team role next season, even if that might be made harder by Noni Madueke’s arrival from Chelsea.
Ismael Kabia might need to leave Arsenal in order to progress
Interestingly when speaking last December after Arsenal U19s beat Monaco 2-0, U19 boss Max Porter alluded to Kabia potentially needing to leave the club when praising the winger.
Kabia earned two assists from the right against Monaco, and Porter mentioned that opportunities will come for the youngster, whether it’s at Arsenal or not.
Praising Kabia, Porter said: “It was one of the best performances I’ve seen him have.
“He’s got to keep doing that and find that level consistently. Then there will be much more opportunities here at Arsenal or, if not, elsewhere to better his career.”
A superb young talent, and one who is clearly willing to put the hard hours in off the pitch.
But with Arsenal signing Madueke as mentioned, opportunities may be hard to come by for academy players in attack for the Gunners next season.