It’s that time of year when the considerably difficult decisions are made regarding which Arsenal youngsters should be offered scholarship deals for next season. Here’s an assessment of the players in contention.
With regards to goalkeepers it seems likely that Daniel Barden will be offered a contract having been involved with the U18s this season.
There are several defenders in this group. Centre-back Mark McGuinness has been involved fleetingly with the U18s, with Vontae Daley-Campbell, Shae Hutchinson, Bayli Spencer-Adams, Joshua Dawodu and Matthew Smith also striving for scholarships.
With regards to midfielders, Trae Coyle will certainly be offered a deal with the England youth international already a mainstay of the U18 squad while training full time at London Colney.
Those hoping to join him include Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun, Harrison Clarke, James Olayinka, Joshua Rusoke, Zak Swanson and Jayden Onen.
The only attacker in contention is Tyreece John-Jules, who would appear to have a good chance of getting a scholarship given the lack of the strikers amongst the current first-years.
As ever players who have been selected are free to move elsewhere before their scholarship deal commences on July 1st. Meanwhile the club can make a late decision to offer deals to previously rejected players and there may well be some arrivals from other clubs.
Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth 
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