Arsenal Youth awards – 2023/24

With the academy season now over, it is time to reflect on which players made the biggest impact at various levels.

Best U21 player – Ethan Nwaneri

Despite technically being a first year, Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a tremendous campaign at U21 level, as shown by the fact that he scored eleven goals and provided three assists across 15 games in Premier League 2.

Statistics don’t tell the whole story of Nwaneri’s season, however, as his overall progress was evident throughout the year and he now appears ready for senior football in some capacity, whether at Arsenal or on loan.

Best schoolboy – Chido Martin Obi

This was one of the most fruitful seasons for the academy for some time in terms of the amount of schoolboys that made an impact for the U18s.

Max Dowman’s contribution at that level as an U14 player was staggering and he also trained with the first-team.

This award, though, surely has to go to Chido Martin Obi, who broke records by scoring an incredible 32 goals in 18 games for the U18s.

Martin Obi also featured for the U21s and the U19s and he should have a key part to play at those levels next season.

Best U18 player – Michal Rosiak

Even though he didn’t feature at that level for the whole campaign, Martin Obi was probably the standout player for Arsenal U18s this season.

However, it is important to acknowledge the contribution made by other players and Michal Rosiak was one of the most consistent performers throughout the season.

As one of the more experienced players in the team, Rosiak often led by example and he made a major contribution with nine goals and six assists in the league, with his free-kicks bring of a very high standard. He also bounced back well from the disappointing FA Youth Cup defeat to Liverpool.

Given that he already has a professional contract, Rosiak will step up to the U21s on a full-time basis next season.

Best academy loanee – Mika Biereth

Arthur Okonkwo enjoyed a fine season as he helped Wrexham to earn promotion from League Two, but the goalkeeper is part of the first-team squad at Arsenal.

In terms of academy loanees, Mika Biereth has enjoyed an excellent campaign that has significantly enhanced his reputation.

Biereth started the season on loan at Motherwell and proceeded to score six goals in 15 games.

Some questions were asked about the decision to bring that loan to an early end and send Biereth to Sturm Graz for the rest of the season, but it proved to be an inspired decision.

Biereth has scored nine times for Sturm Graz and helped them to win the Austrian Cup, while they are top of the league going into the final day of the season.

Jack Henry-Francis trains with Arsenal first-team at Emirates Stadium

Midfielder Jack Henry-Francis was involved in training with the Arsenal first-team squad at Emirates Stadium today.

The 20-year-old featured prominently for Arsenal U21s this season and could go on loan next season if he remains at the club.

Henry-Francis, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U21 level, featured for the Arsenal first-team in pre-season in 2021 and also took part in a friendly against Watford last year but has yet to receive a competitive callup to the squad.

Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri named in England squad for U17 Euros finals

Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been named in the England U17 squad for the upcoming Euros finals at that level.

The tournament will take place in Cyprus between May 20th and June 5th.

England are in Group D and will take on France, Portugal and Spain.

Nwaneri has been capped by England at U17 level on 24 occasions and has scored 12 goals.

Arsenal striker Chido Martin Obi is also at the tournament with Denmark, while Brayden Clarke is part of the Wales squad.

Which youngsters could leave Arsenal this summer?

After Kido Taylor-Hart announced his departure yesterday, thoughts are beginning to turn to which other youngsters could leave Arsenal this summer.

There are always a significant amount of departures from the academy each summer but there is a feeling that this year there could be more than usual, with a lot of players needing to make the step up to regular senior football elsewhere.

Here’s a look at who could depart.

Firstly, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters both see their contracts expire at the end of next month. The pair have been amongst the standout performers for Arsenal U21s over the past couple of seasons but now have to make a decision on their futures.

Mauro Bandeira hasn’t played since returning from his loan spell at Colchester United, although he has been named on the bench for the first-team. It’s possible Bandeira could be loaned out again but a permanent move cannot be ruled out.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has had loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham but at the age of 21 it is time for him to play regular senior football.

Catalin Cirjan has spent the season on loan at Rapid Bucharest and finds himself in a similar situation to Bandeira in that he could be loaned out again but a permanent switch is also possible.

Goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri was first choice for Arsenal U21s this season having previously had loans at SJK and Chelmsford. He has often performed well this season but could look to move on.

Defender Taylor Foran, who had a spell on loan at Hartlepool in the second half of last season, could also leave. Foran hasn’t been involved with the U21s of late.

Goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk has found himself on the periphery of the U21 squad since returning early from his loan spell at Slough and could depart.

Henry Jeffcott featured on loan at Derby County’s U21 side prior to returning to Arsenal and could now leave, while Tyreece John-Jules has been hugely unfortunate with injuries. The striker, who has had six loan spells, could leave permanently.

Alex Kirk helped Bromley to earn promotion to League Two while on loan and there may well be interest in a permanent deal.

The likes of Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Charlie Patino have gained much experience on loan but it remains to be seen if the talented youngsters could leave permanently.

A decision also needs to be made on Mika Biereth, who has been hugely impressive for Sturm Graz. Another loan move could be the best option.

Omar Rekik has endured a hugely frustrating time after not being able to play for his loan club Servette due to a registration issue. The time may well have come for him to leave permanently.

Forward Billy Vigar is back from his loan spell at Eastbourne Borough but could be allowed to depart.

Second year scholars Luis Brown, Omari Benjamin, Noah Cooper, Kamarni Ryan and Coby Small have already been told they will be released, with Brown having secured a move to West Ham. It is possible that Arsenal could change their mind on the futures of some players.

Overall, it is anticipated that a lot of academy players will leave Arsenal this summer, which will provide opportunities for younger players to step up. It will be intriguing to see what transpires.

Kido Taylor-Hart to leave Arsenal after 13 years

Kido Taylor-Hart has confirmed that he will leave Arsenal this summer after 13 years at the club.

The skilful winger spent this season on loan at Bromley, who earned promotion to League Two, and he previously had a loan spell with Derby County’s U21 side.

Taylor-Hart, 21, progressed through the ranks at Hale End and signed scholarship terms in 2019 before progressing to a professional contract two years later. He confirmed his departure on Instagram.

In total Taylor-Hart made 33 appearances for Arsenal U21s and scored six goals, which included a vital strike against West Ham United in 2021 to keep the young Gunners in the top division of Premier League 2.

Previously capped by England at U17 level, Taylor-Hart first featured for Arsenal U18s as a schoolboy and was identified as a very exciting talent.

Taylor-Hart subsequently endured difficulties with injuries and perhaps didn’t receive as many chances as he deserved at times for the U21s.

Arsenal U21s season review – Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly and Heaven gain valuable experience

Arsenal U21s endured a frustrating end to the season with a late defeat to Chelsea in the play-offs.

It has been an eventful campaign for Mehmet Ali’s side which has included patches of impressive form and also some disappointing results.

As ever, there were plenty of changes to the team throughout the campaign, but one of the biggest positives was the progress made by Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Both of the hugely talented midfielders had already gained experience at this level during the previous campaign, but this season they were key players throughout and took some significant strides forward in terms of their overall performances.

Nwaneri, for instance, scored a hugely impressive eleven goals, while Lewis-Skelly also produced some encouraging displays. Centre-back Ayden Heaven, meanwhile, also performed well as he made the step up to this level.

Ovie Ejeheri was the main goalkeeper and made some spectacular saves at times, although he may well want to test himself elsewhere at senior level next season having already gained experience on loan.

The loss of Lino Sousa in the Winter transfer window caused a problem for the team at left-back, with right-back James Sweet often having to fill in there. Nonetheless, Sweet always gave his all wherever he was deployed and he is another player who emerges from this campaign with credit.

For winger Amario Cozier-Duberry there were more challenges than last season but he concluded the campaign in excellent form, which was recognised by him being named the Premier League 2 player of the month. He now faces a decision on his future, along with defender Reuell Walters, who featured prominently for the U21s again.

In attack, Khayon Edwards impressed before going out on loan for the first time, and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji returned from loan to help the team in the second half of the campaign. It is anticipated that Chido Martin Obi will step up to the U21s next season after his record-breaking season for the U18s. Winger Charles Sagoe Jr often excelled for the U21s but his loan move to Swansea City didn’t work out as expected.

Jack Henry-Francis was committed in midfield and needs to be playing senior football of some description next season, while younger players like Ismeal Kabia and Josh Nichols also stepped up.

The EFL Trophy campaign ended with a loss to Peterborough United and there could be further challenges for the U21s next season as they will receive an invite to compete in the Premier League International Cup.

Jimi Gower and Ismail Oulad M’Hand were involved in their first full campaign at this level and often gave good accounts of themselves.

There is often a major summer overhaul for the U21s and it seems as if that will be the case again this summer, with a host of players in contention to leave.

Arsenal U18s season review – a campaign of change

After the 7-1 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup, questions were being asked about the direction that Arsenal U18s were heading in, especially as league results were also somewhat concerning for a little while thereafter.

Fast forward four months, however, and the situation is rather different, with Jack Wilshere’s new-look side having concluded the campaign in impressive fashion as they have found the net on many occasions, often through the prolific Chido Martin Obi.

This has been a somewhat unusual campaign for the U18s as there was a significant change with around three months remaining of the season with the players that were told they would not be receiving professional contracts being phased out and an exciting group of schoolboys were given increased opportunities at this level.

Many of those schoolboys have certainly taken those chances, not least Martin Obi, who scored 32 goals in just 18 games, the most ever in a single campaign by an Arsenal player at this level.

Other schoolboys have also stepped up, with the likes of Louis Zecevic John, Ife Ibrahim, Theo Julienne, Andre Annous and U14 prospect Max Dowman all making an impact.

As a result, some of the first years haven’t played as often as they would have liked. Big things were expected of Bless Akolbire, for example, but the midfielder, who struggled with injuries last season, has yet to fully establish himself as a regular in the team. Others like Jakai Fisher and Max Kuczynski endured injury-hit campaigns but should be more involved next season.

Some first years did manage to give a good account of themselves. Defender Will Sweet established himself as a regular in the side, while Louie Copley also featured prominently. The skilful Dan Casey showed his ability in the second half of the campaign after recovering from injury and new signing Brayden Clarke fitted in well. In addition, left-back Cam’ron Ismail became more involved as the campaign wore on, while Daniel Oyetunde will aim to really push on next season after struggling with injury.

In terms of the second years, many players in this group either stepped up to the U21s or have been let go, but Michal Rosiak has been one of the most consistent performers at U18 level this season. Rosiak weighed in with nine goals and six assists, with his ability from free-kicks making him a major threat to opponents.

Harrison Dudziak captained the side and was a committed performer throughout, with his passing of a high standard. Seb Ferdinand also impressed before injury brought his campaign to an early end, while Osman Kamara worked hard to make an impact.

The FA Youth Cup defeat will undoubtedly still hurt Wilshere, as will the exit from the Premier League Cup to a lesser extent, but he will surely be proud of how his team finished the season, especially given that they scored 83 goals across 24 league matches.

The experience that the schoolboys gained last season will undoubtedly help them next season as they continue to feature for the U18s.

There were still some concerning moments defensively, but some of the attacking play in the latter stages of the season was of a very high standard. Arsenal were unbeaten in eight of their last nine games, winning seven of them.

Arsenal also had to cope without the talented trio of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ayden Heaven for much of the campaign as they mainly played for the U21s.

In total, 15 schoolboys were called up to the U18s, which is higher than in many previous campaigns. It is a positive that Wilshere has shown that he is unafraid to play younger players over older ones, and hopefully that trend will continue next season.

U18 top league appearance makers

Rosiak – 22 games

W. Sweet, Copley, Dudziak, Martin Obi – 18 games

C. Ismail – 17 games

Kamara, Akolbire – 14 games

Kacurri – 13 games

U18 top league scorers

Martin Obi – 32 goals

Rosiak, Kamara – 9 goals

Casey – 4 goals

Copley, Ryan, Benjamin, Zecevic John – 3 goals

Loan report – Lokonga scores; Biereth assists; Marquinhos features at right-back; Salah-Eddine finishes Den Bosch loan

Albert Sambi Lokonga scored and played the whole game as Luton Town lost 3-1 to West Ham United.

Mika Biereth got an assist and played the whole game as Sturm Graz drew 2-2 with LASK.

Marquinhos played the whole game as Fluminense won 1-0 against Colo-Colo. He was again deployed as a right-back.

Salah-Eddine played the whole game as Den Bosch lost 2-0 to Eindhoven in the final match of his loan spell.

Catalin Cirjan was an unused substitute as Rapid Bucharest lost 3-2 to Sepsi.

Nuno Tavares wasn’t involved as Nottingham Forest lost 3-2 to Chelsea.

Omar Rekik wasn’t involved due to a registration issue as Servette drew 1-1 with St. Gallen.

Kieran Tierney’s Real Sociedad play Barcelona away tomorrow night.

Harrison Dudziak and Ismeal Kabia likely to sign professional contracts with Arsenal ahead of next season

Harrison Dudziak and Ismeal Kabia, two of the remaining second year scholars at the club, are set to sign professional contracts with Arsenal ahead of next season.

Dudziak has frequently captained Arsenal’s U18 side this season and also made six appearances for the U21s in Premier League 2 as well as featuring in the EFL Trophy and the UEFA Youth League.

The hard-working midfielder made his final appearance for the U18s against Chelsea yesterday and is now set to step up to U21 level on a full-time basis.

Winger Kabia has established himself as a regular in the U21 side after returning from injury.

Kabia has made 13 appearances for the U21s this season and will be looking to really push on next campaign.

Michal Rosiak, who already has a professional contract which he signed last year, will also step up to the U21s full-time.

Report – Lewis-Skelly and Butler-Oyedeji score but Arsenal U21s suffer play-off frustration against Chelsea

Premier League 2 – Play-offs quarter-final

Arsenal 2 (Lewis-Skelly 13, Butler-Oyedeji 55) Chelsea 3 (Moreira 45, 80, 90)

By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood

Arsenal U21s saw their hopes of play-off glory come to an end in agonising fashion as they lost 3-2 at home to Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

The young Gunners had given a good account of themselves early in the game and took the lead through a superb strike from Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, Chelsea equalised through Diego Moreira before Nathan Butler-Oyedeji restored Arsenal’s lead.

The hugely talented Moreira was unrelenting in his quest for goals, however, and he managed to equalise before scoring the decisive effort in stoppage time.

It was a hugely frustrating way for Arsenal to end the campaign at this level but eventually there will be time to reflect on the progress made this season by the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly and Ayden Heaven.

Arsenal were without Reuell Walters due to a minor injury, so Josh Nichols came into the side at left-back, with James Sweet deployed at right-back. On the bench, Khari Ranson, Josh Robinson and Ismail Oulad M’Hand were all named in the squad.

Ejeheri

J. Sweet-Monlouis-Heaven-Nichols

Lewis Skelly

Henry Francis-Nwaneri

Cozier Duberry-Butler Oyedeji-Kabia

Subs: Gower (for Lewis-Skelly, 79), Robinson (for Monlouis, 90), I. Oulad M’Hand (for J. Sweet, 90). Not used: Ranson, Kamara.

Butler-Oyedeji required treatment after being hit in the face with the ball in the opening seconds of the game, but he was thankfully able to continue.

Arsenal had the first opportunity as Ethan Nwaneri hit the post, with Chelsea then responding with a header that went over.

Nwaneri continued to threaten and had an effort pushed away, and then Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with a well-struck shot after the ball fell to him following a corner.

Amario Cozier-Duberry, who was named the Premier League 2 player of the month for April, shot wide, but Arsenal still had to be alert at the other end, with Nichols and Sweet making important defensive interventions.

Deivid Washington had a shot saved by Ovie Ejeheri and it seemed as if Arsenal were going to be able to go into the break in front.

However, Chelsea managed to equalise courtesy of a very good finish from Moreira.

Arsenal had chances to restore their lead through Nwaneri and Heaven, but the two sides went into the break level.

Chelsea started the second half strongly, with Ejeheri having to make a couple of saves before Washington shot wide.

It was Arsenal who would get the next goal, though, with Butler-Oyedeji continuing his good form in the play-offs by scoring after he was found by Ismeal Kabia.

There were chances for both sides as Ejeheri was called into action again before Jack Henry-Francis shot over.

Arsenal made a change as Jimi Gower came on in place of Lewis-Skelly.

Chelsea equalised through Moreira’s second goal of the game and then Ejeheri had to make an excellent double save.

Nwaneri had a good chance to restore Arsenal’s lead but he was unable to find the net and then substitute Tyrique George struck the crossbar for Chelsea.

Arsenal made a double change as Josh Robinson came on for Zane Monlouis and Ismail Oulad M’Hand replaced Sweet.

The young Gunners fielded a back three with Kabia and Cozier-Duberry as wing-backs and Nichols as a right-sided centre-back, but the system didn’t seem to have the desired effect.

Ejeheri made another excellent stop but there was little that he could do to keep out the late strike from Moreira, which brought Arsenal’s season to an abrupt end.

There will be frustration at the result today, and for some of these players this may well be their last game at this level.

Some encouraging progress has been made throughout the season, but this certainly wasn’t how Arsenal would have wanted to conclude the campaign.