Which of Arsenal’s remaining second year scholars will get professional deals?

Seven of Arsenal’s second years have already secured their short-term futures at the club, with Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Crean, Joao Virginia, Zech Medley, Nathan Tormey and Joseph Olowu having signed professional contracts.

However, at the halfway point of the academy season, there are six remaining second years who have yet to be informed whether they will get a new deal.

Arsenal made a late decision to give Daniel Ballard a scholarship in 2016 after initially deciding to release him, and the Northern Ireland youth international is now the captain of the Gunners’ U18 side.

After an impressive spell in midfield earlier in the season, Ballard has reverted to his usual position of centre-back, and, even though it appears unlikely that he will make the grade at Arsenal in the long term, he should still be offered a professional deal.

Winger Jay Beckford has struggled to command a regular place in the starting lineup for the U18s since his scholarship started, with injuries certainly not helping his cause.

Also capable of playing up front or as an attacking midfielder, it seems likely that the 18-year-old will be released this summer.

Central midfielder Josh Benson is another who has had difficulties on the injury front during his scholarship, but the Hale End product has established himself as a regular for the U18s this season.

Benson will hope that he has done enough to have earned a professional deal, although the jury is still out over whether he will receive one.

Welsh youth international Robbie Burton is perhaps one of the most underrated players in Arsenal’s U18 side – he has four assists in seven league appearances this season.

Burton also impressed in the FA Youth Cup third round victory over Sheffield Wednesday and should get a professional contract.

Defender Tobi Omole can play at centre-back or left-back and has been on the fringes of the U23 squad this season, while he has figured prominently for the U18s.

Omole should be able to cope with the step up to U23 level and it is anticipated that he will get a professional contract.

After finding regular playing time hard to come by last season, Dominic Thompson has featured frequently for Arsenal U18s this season.

With Omole capable of playing at left-back, there appears to be little need for Arsenal to retain Thompson.