As Arsenal announced the departures of numerous academy players yesterday perhaps the most intriguing news was the confirmation that the club are in discussions with Michal Rosiak regarding a new contract.
A talented player who can make an impact whether deployed in midfield or at right-back, Rosiak was one of Arsenal’s best performers at U21 level last season.
The 19-year-old, who has been capped by Poland at youth level, was named on the bench for the first-team away to Real Madrid and often trained with the senior squad towards the end of the season.
It is hoped that Arsenal will be able to retain the services of Rosiak, who seems ready to test himself in senior football in some capacity after playing over 30 times for the U21s.
A superb free-kick taker, Rosiak is also a hard-working player and it would be intriguing to see how he fares during a loan spell should he sign a new deal with Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal currently have a very small U21 squad going into next season. As a result there could be many players stepping up from the U18s unless some significant signings are made.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird