Arsenal have just promoted a very exciting batch of players to their U18 squad and, inevitably, there will be a new-look side at U16 level this season.
There are some talented players in this group, including Kieran Petrie, who was prolific in front of goal for the U15s last season. Petrie joined Arsenal at the age of nine, and, while he started out as a winger, he is now usually deployed as a centre-forward. He will hope to follow in the footsteps of Khayon Edwards, who broke into the Arsenal U18 side last campaign while he was still a schoolboy.
Another player to watch out for in this group is Sydie Peck (pictured), with the midfielder having frequently caught the eye at schoolboy level. An excellent passer who is capable of finding the net himself, Peck possesses good leadership qualities and it appears that he is another player who could well end up in the U18s prior to the conclusion of the campaign.
Bradley Ibrahim also plays in midfield and relishes shooting from distance, while he is also capable of making precisely-timed tackles. Lene Burden is another skilful midfielder who could make a big impact for the U16s this season.
Shaun Mavididi, the brother of former Arsenal academy prospect Stephy, is also in this group and is an attack-minded player.
Goalkeepers Alex Kovacevic and Jamie Telfer, meanwhile, have already been on the bench for the U18s, while Tino Quamina can play at centre-back or left-back and captained Arsenal at the Youth Games in 2019.
See your article on Ballard medley and Clarke. Do you know what what I would rather have them than sokratis, mustafi and luiz. Could probably sell those three bring in sarr and mallanes and still have 9 centre backs and a heap of wages saved.
Saliba mallanes sarr
Chambers holding Mari
Clarke Ballard medley
I would take those 9 all day long