**Arsenal Under-21s returned to training at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Monday after their summer break.**
The club confirmed the academy squad were back at London Colney as preparations begin for the new season.
Arsenal also published a gallery from the session, giving supporters a first look at the young Gunners after their return to work.
The timing gives the Under-21s an early chance to build rhythm before the senior group fully settles into pre-season. Read Arsenal has already covered how [Mikel Arteta faces a shortened Arsenal pre-season schedule](https://readarsenal.com/2026/07/06/arsenal-august-ladder-arteta-control-test/), with the World Cup still affecting parts of the first-team group.
The return of the Under-21s marks the start of an important few weeks for Arsenal’s academy staff.
Pre-season can be valuable for young players trying to push closer to first-team training. It also gives the club time to assess which players may need senior exposure, loan moves or regular academy minutes.
Arsenal’s academy pathway remains a major part of the club’s wider planning. Read Arsenal has also looked at the [ongoing Hale End contract situation around Alex Marciniak and Josh Ogunnaike](https://readarsenal.com/2026/07/06/arsenal-contract-standoff-hale-end-arteta-retention-test/), which shows how active the youth setup remains this summer.
The Under-21s now have a platform to reset after the break. For several players, the next month could shape where they fit once competitive football returns.