Arsenal's Ismeal Kabia stares at the bouncing ball as he chases after it trying to bring it under controlGetty Images
Dan Wheeler, BBC Sport, West MidlandsandStuart Dunn, BBC Radio Shropshire
Arsenal loanee Ismeal Kabia says his "priceless" experience with the Premier League side will help him grab his opportunity with Shrewsbury Town "with both hands" this season.
The 19-year-old joined Salop for the 2025-26 campaign in the final week of the transfer window and has started all three league games since he arrived.
In that time, Town have picked up four points including their first league win of the season at Barnet.
"It was a very good feeling especially with me not used to playing in front of a big crowd. The fans were wild., I'm not used to that really," Kabia told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"I've really enjoyed it here, the boys have made me feel very comfortable."
Kabia has been at Arsenal since Under-11 level and after coming through the age groups, made his first-team debut in a 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in a Carabao Cup tie in September 2024.
That chance, playing alongside England international Declan Rice and future Three Lions defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, came a few weeks after making a goal-scoring debut for the Gunners' Under-21 side.
Kabia said playing for the Arsenal first team was an "unreal experience" and "everything a kid could dream of".
Involvement in the club's pre-season camps in Spain and the Far East this summer was another opportunity for Kabia to soak up top-level experience.
"It was physically and tactically demanding," he said. "You learn a lot, how they train every day, play games and recover. It's just priceless."
'I just want to learn as much as I can'
With the season fast approaching, Kabia said he wanted to broaden his horizons and seek regular first-team football.
"After a playing a couple of seasons in the 21s, I wanted to take the next step in my career and this loan was perfect for that", he said.
"Of course it takes a bit of getting used to but I'm trying to adapt very quickly to the speed of the game and the physicality of the Football League."
Kabia said the help he was had from Shrewsbury boss Michael Appleton has been vital.
"I think he's an amazing manager. He's giving me a lot of feedback on what he wants from me and from the team," he added.
"He likes to play to each player's strengths so that's helped me a lot. He's guided me well.
"It's all learning. Some of the things I'm coming up against, you don't get in Under-21s football so it's a amazing experience and I'm going to take it with both hands.
"I just want to get as many games into my legs as possible and to learn as much as I can. I'm just taking it day by day and enjoying the journey."
Ismeal Kabia in action for Shrewsbury TownRex Features
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