With regards to the Arsenal academy players who are out of contract on June 30th but have been offered new deals, much of the focus has been on Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry.
It is widely expected that Walters and Cozier-Duberry, two of the most impressive performers for Arsenal U21s over the past couple of seasons, will choose to leave the club as they seek first-team football elsewhere.
There is another member of the U21 squad who the club are looking to tie to fresh terms in Elian Quesada-Thorn.
An attack-minded left-back, Quesada-Thorn has struggled with injuries over the past couple of campaigns but was involved with the U21s towards the end of last season.
Arsenal will be hoping that Quesada-Thorn will sign a new deal, especially as if he departs then the club will be short of left-back options at U21 level.
Josh Nichols can play at left-back but it is widely expected that he will look to establish himself as the main right-back in the team. Similarly, Ayden Heaven has filled in at left-back on some occasions but is mainly seen as a centre-back.
Meanwhile, Cam’ron Ismail will be hoping for more involvement with the U21s next season but it is anticipated that he could start off in the U18s given that he is still eligible to play at that level for another season.
Owing to his injury issues, Quesada-Thorn has only made seven league appearances for the U21s.
However, Quesada-Thorn is a player that the club has faith in and the 19-year-old, who was previously called up by Costa Rica at senior level, can be a useful asset owing to his strength.
If Arsenal were to lose Quesada-Thorn then it would certainly be frustrating and would also cause a problem with regards to the U21s’ left-back options.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I hear he is a sharp player.
I was very happy that we have a great crop of players in our academy like Chido Obi-Martin, Duberry and Nwaneri. We are hearing that the first two are leaving. Nwaneri’s parents and agent might be monitoring the situation, I guess. Wenger used to be seen as the best person in football to take care of youngsters and ensure their development but we are in a situation where Arteta’s priority is to make us win trophies again. This is why Mertsacker should replace Wenger as that figure that reassures academy players, their families and agents. Haven’t seen any evidence of… Read more »
Just going to put this out there. Our academy is currently regularly making player sales in the millions. Doubt anyone in the leadership will question the job BFG is doing
I love BFG. But who has earned us millions form the academy? I feel the business side of the academy needs to improve. There needs to be an emphasis on this ging forward so BFG can focus on developing the players. However, much like the first team, no-one enters the last year of contract or they get sold with sell on clauses.
Spiky in the duels
Smooth as a Quesad-illa with the ball at his feet