Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in Spain is underway and this week could represent a great opportunity for some of the club’s talented youngsters to make an impact.
Here’s a summary of which youth players have travelled with the squad as well as Max Dowman and Marli Salmon:
**Goalkeeper:** Khari Ranson
**Defenders:** Brayden Clarke, Theo Julienne (can also play in midfield), Josh Ogunnaike
**Midfielders:** Demiane Agustien (pictured), Louie Copley (can also play at right-back), Ife Ibrahim
**Attackers:** Andre Harriman-Annous, Ismeal Kabia
Ranson will most probably only feature in training but this is great experience for him and he seems highly rated by the first-team coaching staff.
With the first-team somewhat short of right-back options, Copley and Julienne could get some minutes in the friendly against Girona, with both players also capable of playing in midfield if required.
Clarke and Ogunnaike have featured prominently in defence for the U21s and will be looking to make their non-competitive debuts for the senior team.
Ibrahim and Harriman-Annous, meanwhile, have already featured competitively for the senior side and will be staking a claim for further involvement this season.
O’Neill and Agustien are two talented prospects who could relish the chance to be involved with the first-team.
Capable of playing as a winger, midfielder or striker, O’Neill has already featured for Northern Ireland at senior level and scored for the Arsenal first-team in their friendly against MK Dons.
O’Neill’s progress over the past year has been impressive and he will certainly be a player to keep an eye on in Spain.
Kabia is the oldest academy player involved at the age of 20. A decision on his future is likely to be made after pre-season with the winger having impressed while on loan at Shrewsbury last season.
Overall, it will be intriguing to see which of the aforementioned youngsters can make the biggest impact in Spain and get closer to the first-team squad.