There were some significant changes to Arsenal’s U21 squad in the closing stages of the transfer window, with Jaden Dixon and Evan Mooney joining (the latter is also eligible to play for the U18s), while Maldini Kacurri and Osman Kamara departed permanently, with Will Sweet going on loan.
Here’s a look at the options that coach Max Porter will have at his disposal in the remainder of the season.
Arsenal’s core U21 squad (those who aren’t eligible for the U18s) consists of just 13 players. These include goalkeepers Remy Mitchell and Alexei Rojas who only seem to play in an emergency, Harrison Dudziak who could still go on loan again, and others who barely play such as Daniel Oyetunde and Cam’ron Ismail.
Full-time members of U21 squad: Brayden Clarke, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam’ron Ismail, Remy Mitchell, Josh Nichols, Daniel Oyetunde, Alexei Rojas, Jaden Dixon, Charles Sagoe Jr, Marcell Washington, Archie Stevens and Demiane Agustien.
In recent weeks the U21 squad has been heavily supplemented by a contingent of players who are still eligible to play for the U18s, namely Jack Porter, Andre Harriman-Annous, Ife Ibrahim, Theo Julienne, Josh Ogunnaike, Louis Zecevic John, Brando Bailey-Joseph, Marli Salmon, Callan Hamill and Alex Marciniak, with others ready to step up if necessary, including Mooney.
First-team squad members Tommy Setford and Max Dowman (when he returns from injury) could also feature at this level at times.
**Goalkeepers**
As alluded to, Setford will play some games for the U21s when the opportunity arises. Aside from that, Porter seems to be the main choice in goal for the U21s, with the likes of Mitchell, Khari Ranson and Jack Talbot as potential backup options.
**Defenders**
The signing of the highly-rated Dixon provides Arsenal with greater flexibility in defence and it will be intriguing to see how he is used in accordance with Marli Salmon, who is seemingly a somewhat similar player in terms of style.
One option could be to play Dixon at right-back, which would allow Salmon to continue his partnership with Clarke at centre-back.
Hamill and schoolboy Angelinou Pedro are potential options to provide cover at centre-back.
Despite not yet having signed a professional contract, second year scholar Ogunnaike has started the last two U21 games at left-back ahead of Washington.
**Midfield**
Ibrahim, who made his senior debut recently, is firmly established as the U21s’ first-choice option at the base of midfield. Dudziak could play some games in that position if he stays at the club.
Julienne and Agustien both performed well against Leeds, with the former getting his first goal at this level and the latter netting a hat-trick.
Dowman could also feature on some occasions.
**Attack**
Bailey-Joseph, another recent first-team debutant, has started the last two U21 games on the right wing, although Mooney will now also be in contention to start.
Harriman-Annous is the first choice striker, with Zecevic John also pushing for a starting berth. Mooney can also play in this position and Ceadach O’Neill could also be in contention.
Sagoe Jr, who is closing in on 70 appearances for the U21s, has been the regular starter on the left wing, with Stevens providing a backup option on either flank.
**Possible Arsenal U21 team** (^ – first-team squad member, \* – still eligible for U18s)
**Setford^**
Porter\*
**Dixon-Salmon\*-Clarke-Ogunnaike\***
Nichols-Hamill\*-Pedro\*-Washington
**Ibrahim\***
Dudziak
**Dowman^**\*-**Agustien**
Hashi\*-Julienne\*
**Bailey Joseph\*-Harriman Annous\*-Sagoe Jr**
Mooney\*-Zecevic John\*-Stevens
Other options: Ferdinand, Ismail, Mitchell, Oyetunde, Rojas.
Other U18/U16 players with previous U21 callups in competitive games or friendlies:
Chapman\*, Marciniak\*, O’Neill\*, Onyekachukwu\*, Ranson\*, Hashi\*, King\*, Murisa\*, Owusu-Gyasi\*, B. Phillips\*, Sampang\*, Stachow\*, Talbot\*, Emerson Nwaneri\*, Nduka\*, Thompson\*, C. Phillips\*.