Arsenal trio have 12 months to prove their worth

Whilst four youngsters signed professional contracts on Tuesday, three further Arsenal youngsters face an un-certain 12 months as they look to impress the coaching staff in order to convince them to prolong their stay at the club.

Just three of the players who signed scholarships last summer remain on those terms. The rest have all progressed or moved on, but for Roarie Deacon, Sam Byles and Rhema Obed, the next 12 months could prove to be integral to their long-term careers.

Of the three, Deacon seems most likely to stay. Having scored seven goals for the u-18s last season, as well as being involved in virtually every match, he has proved that he can cut it at that level.

However, he will need to be tested substantially in the Reserves before a concrete decision is made on his future. A sprightly, attacking player; he is not the strongest physically and can sometimes be accused of being too greedy in front of goal.

Right-back Obed had a generally solid first campaign in the u-18s, taking over as the regular no.2 following Craig Eastmond’s promotion to the Reserves. He can get forward well, and is strong in the tackle, but can often be found lacking in defensive situations and his positioning isn’t the best. A former England schoolboy international, Rhema will need to be more consistent this campaign.

As for Byles, he successfully underwent the transition from right-back to central-midfield last season and, on the whole, impressed. Tenacious and with an eye for a pass, he fits well into Arsenal’s style of play, although with the likes of Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin around it is unlikely that he will have a long-term future in that position.

Time is ticking for this talented trio. But which ones, if any, will be signing professional contracts next summer?