As is the case with the first-team squad, there are a host of players in the Arsenal academy setup who could depart before the transfer window closes next week.
In some cases it is anticipated that players will be loaned out, but there could also be some permanent departures.
Miguel Azeez is one of the most prominent players who could leave. The midfielder, who was extremely highly rated at one stage, hasn’t managed to make an impact out on loan, but it isn’t currently clear whether his departure will be permanent.
Centre-back Omar Rekik is a good prospect but at the age of 21 he doesn’t have much time on his side to break into the first-team setup at Arsenal. He could be loaned out ahead of a permanent move next year.
Another centre-back, Alex Kirk, gained experience at Ayr United last season and has often trained with the first-team at Arsenal. Another loan spell appears to be on the cards for the 20-year-old.
Ryan Alebiosu has had loans at Crewe Alexandra and Kilmarnock but he could now be set for a permanent move.
Meanwhile, midfielder Tim Akinola, who spent time on loan at Chesterfield, could also leave permanently.
Winger Kido Taylor-Hart has been linked with a permanent switch to Portuguese side Estoril, with a sell-on clause to be included according to journalist Luca Bendoni.
Striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji spent the second half of last season at Accrington Stanley and could be loaned out again.
Overall, there is a lot of work for the academy staff to do over the next week in terms of arranging moves ahead of the deadline.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Ben Smiths enjoyable book The Journey Man comes to mind when reading the above of the likelihood of young players not making it to play for Arsenal at senior level, an Arsenal academy player who knew he wasn’t good enough to play at that level but was good enough to play and earn a decent living playing at the lower leagues. Good read ..
Fair enough, but Kudus to West Ham.