This season may have only just begun but, such is the nature of academy football, preparations are already being made ahead of the next campaign.
It will soon be time for the Arsenal academy staff to make difficult decisions regarding which youngsters will be offered the chance to be part of the club’s scholarship intake for 2027/28.
Arsenal have 13 players on their books who are classed as first year scholars, which means that they can have as many as 17 new scholars next season, although it seems unlikely that they will fulfil that total.
One player has already been confirmed for the next scholarship intake in goalkeeper **Phoenix Blayney**, who will officially join Arsenal from Larne next summer.
As Arsenal have 18 players in their U16 squad at least two prospects will have to be released, with there being a possibility that several players could be let go.
Goalkeeper **Charlie Phillips** has received much attention recently after travelling with the first-team for the Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich and making his debut for Arsenal U18s.
**Max Lo Presti** is another talented goalkeeper, although having three shot-stoppers in one scholarship intake would make it difficult for them all to get game time.
Forward **Jaden Maghoma** has made an impact at U18 level recently and has also previously featured for the U18s.
Midfielder **Mikael Bonaventure Yetna** is another very good prospect, as shown by the fact that he featured for the U21s in pre-season.
Centre-backs **Zachary van der Straaten** and **Frankie Wyatt** have also found themselves on the cusp of the U18 squad and appear to be highly rated by the club.
Right-back **Isaiah Matthews** recently received a callup to the Uganda U17 squad and **Beau Luton** joined Arsenal’s academy last season.
Tall defender **Hudson Sando** and midfielder **Reiss Twenboa Kudoa** are other players who will be under consideration along with hard-working winger **Kyron Raymond-Callendar.**
Defender **Blake Day King** has previously been called up by England at youth level, while the likes of **Emmanuel Ahaneku**, **Onye Asiegbu**, **Keyaan Davison**, **Noah Laditan, Fletcher McBryde** and **Ezra Okafor** will also be looking to continue their journeys at Arsenal.
As we saw in the summer, it is possible for prospects to reject Arsenal’s scholarship offer and sign elsewhere, while the club may also look to bring in further signings in this age group.
Note: Luis Munoz and Bubacarr Jallow are amongst the prospects not eligible for a scholarship until the 2028/29 season.