Patrick Stachow – Image: Arsenal
It is often said how important pre-season can be for young players attempting to break into the first-team squad and that same sentiment also applies to members of the U18 team who are looking to establish themselves in the U21s.
Due to departures and potential absences – Brayden Clarke has been away with Wales at the U19 European Championship – Arsenal U21s could find themselves somewhat short of defensive options at the start of pre-season.
At right-back Jaden Dixon is back available after recovering from the injury that saw his 2025/26 campaign come to an early end.
Dixon, who can also play at centre-back if required, made his Arsenal senior debut against Mansfield in the FA Cup last season after joining from Stoke City and also featured at youth level but it is anticipated that this could be an important campaign in his development.
Josiah King, who already has a professional contract despite being an U18 player, could get some game time at right-back for the U21s this season when fit and midfielder Theo Julienne can also play in defence if required.
At centre-back, Clarke has already outlined his desire to go on loan, while Marli Salmon is still technically an U18 player in terms of age but is already getting to the stage where he may need to test himself beyond U21 football.
Scotland youth international Callan Hamill can play at right-back or centre-back but remains out with an injury that he suffered late last season.
Josh Ogunnaike has yet to accept the club’s offer of a professional contract and if he does depart then it will leave something of a hole in the U21 squad given that he is capable of playing at left-back or centre-back.
Marcell Washington, who possesses plenty of experience at U21 level, should be the first-choice left-back, with first year scholar Hakeem Abubakar or second year Josh Tahou (if back from injury) candidates to provide cover at times during the season.
The left sided centre-back position is especially interesting as Arsenal U21s don’t have many candidates to play there.
Such a situation could well suit Patrick Stachow, with the Poland youth international having established himself as a key player for the club at U18 level in the second half of last season.
Stachow reads the game well and also possesses good leadership qualities, with his aim for this season being to earn a professional contract.
Another second year scholar, Abraham Owusu-Gyasi, made two appearances at U21 level last season and could be set for further involvement this time around.
A player who is strong physically, Owusu-Gyasi is capable of playing at right-back or a right sided centre-back.
Angelinou Pedro, who could be part of Arsenal’s scholarship intake this summer, could also get playing time at some stage.
Overall, it will be very interesting to see who features in defence for Arsenal U21s during pre-season and whether some of the younger players can seize their opportunity.