2017 was a good year in terms of Arsenal youngsters getting opportunities to impress in cup competitions and it is hoped that further prospects will be able to make the step up in 2018.
Here’s a look at five members of the U23 squad who could make their senior debuts next year.
Vlad Dragomir (Age: 18)
Dragomir has been in excellent form for Arsenal at U23 level this season, scoring four goals, and he has edged closer to the senior squad.
The Romania youth international has already been on the bench for the first-team in the Europa League and it appears likely that he could be involved for Arsene Wenger’s side at some stage next season.
Jordi Osei-Tutu (Age: 19)
The flying full-back has improved immensely this season and was recently rewarded with a new three-year contract.
Possessing pace, power and an attacking threat, Osei-Tutu has developed defensively and is an intriguing prospect for the future.
Charlie Gilmour (Age: 18)
The midfielder has had to be patient for chances to impress for Arsenal at U23 level this season but he did make the bench for the first-team away to BATE Borisov.
A neat passer and an expert penalty taker, Gilmour will hope to make the League Cup squad next campaign.
Emile Smith Rowe (Age: 17)
Smith Rowe has yet to be named in a matchday squad for the first-team but that could well change next season, with the winger a player of immense potential.
There is a good chance that he will be the first player to represent Arsenal who was born in 2000 or later.
Cohen Bramall (Age: 21)
Bramall has recently worked his way back into favour after a miserable start to his loan spell at Birmingham City.
However, the left-back still has another year remaining on his contract at Arsenal and will hope to make his competitive debut next campaign.
Vlad Dragomir. What a name, hope it is destined for greatness .
I think the plans for Beilek as a CB needs to be put to bed. Dude was a class DM in the Matic mould in a club lacking DMs. We’ve now Djourou’ed him by turning him into an okay CB in a club full of CB options. No need.
Not quite sure what Wenger has against big CMs post-Vieira (ironically). Did it to Djourou and tried to do the same with Song (till he went 360 from trying to make him a CB to making him box to box).
Didn’t Bielik play at Sheffield Weds last season (or was it the year before?) in the League Cup?
If I recall he was the only positive from a fairly disastrous evening and he played def/mid.
I agree, he’s just the type of central midfielder we lack, it seems daft to play him in defence unless it’s some cunning ploy to develop the defensive side of his game.
They’ve done the same with Sheaf, who actually looked quite assured when he came on against West Ham this week – in midfield!
Yep, Sheaf and Bielik. Both physical but with great passing. But Wenger has made it clear he doesn’t like those types of DMs anymore, which is so bizarre as his most successful Arsenal teams were built on exactly those types. Boggles the mind.
Guys like Song, Djourou and I think Nortdviet all looked really good as DMs, but were converted into CBs. Their CB careers were littered with them making CM-like mistakes at the back and being caught in DM positions at CBs and it causing a goal.
Who would each of these players compete with for a position in the first team?
What about Marcus Mcguane?? He is a neat passer and defensive midfielder. For me, he looks like one of the Clubs biggest prospect. And he has been Linked away to United …
I guess the fact he played for the first team in 2017 means he can’t make his debut in 2018. But to be fair Bramall has also played for the first team.
He’s a great prospect but he has already made his senior debut so he’s not on this list.
could, but I doubt it
“There is a good chance that he will be the first player to represent Arsenal who was born this millennium.
Sorry, but Emile was born in July 2000, this is the last year of the OLD millennium.
Didn’t Dragomir make his debut in the league cup vs Sheffield Wednesday last year?
Thanks for the insightful piece, Jorge. Dragomir may well get a run out away at Ostersund’s – and if he does, a loan move to another Premier league team may well beckon as he continues on his learning curve.
I am curious as to what you think about Tolaji Bola’s prospects of making the first team? He seems to have a great attitude as a defender and has represented England youth teams across multiple age groups.