(Left to right – Ife Ibrahim, Sam Chapman and Samuel Onyekachukwu)
As we near the halfway point in the season we are getting closer to discovering which of Arsenal’s remaining second year scholars will be offered professional contracts ahead of next season.
From the 2024 intake a significant amount of players have already progressed to professional terms, namely Andre Harriman-Annous, Theo Julienne, Ceadach O’Neill, Jack Porter, Khari Ranson and Louis Zecevic John.
That leaves five players who are still on scholarship terms, most notably **Ife Ibrahim**.
Ibrahim has enjoyed a hugely impressive campaign so far in which he has established himself as the club’s first-choice defensive midfielder at both U21 and U19 levels.
The Hale End product breaks up play effectively and is also capable of playing neat passes.
Arsenal will certainly be eager for him to stay and will hope that he will put pen to paper on fresh terms in the summer.
**Alex Marciniak** had to be patient for opportunities in his first season as a scholar but has been more involved with the U18s this campaign, although he still isn’t guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
The Wales youth international can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide and possesses much flair as well as providing a goal threat, although he can lose the ball easily on some occasions.
Marciniak recently made his debut for the U19s and is a talented player but it remains to be seen whether he will be offered an extended stay.
Centre-back **Samuel Onyeakchukwu** has featured prominently for the U18s this season having also been heavily involved last campaign.
Onyekachukwu has also played twice for the U21s but endured a difficult time against Cardiff in the EFL Trophy last week.
The defender can get caught out at times but it is possible he could still be offered a professional contract.
**Josh Ogunnaike** has established himself as the regular left-back at U18 level and has also featured in the EFL Trophy and the UEFA Youth League.
Ogunnaike offers a major attacking threat although he can get caught too far forwards at times.
The coaching staff certainly seem to have faith in Ogunnaike, which could see him offered a professional deal.
**Sam Chapman** has also played frequently for the U18s as a left-sided centre-back but has struggled for consistency.
The fact that younger defenders have been called up ahead of him at U21 and U19 levels recently suggests that his future may lie elsewhere.
Overall, Ibrahim seems certain to get a professional deal, with Onyekachukwu and Ogunnaike also likely to be offered contracts.
Chapman could depart while Marciniak’s future is very difficult to call.