The nine Arsenal youngsters looking to impress in Dubai

As is usually the case, Arsenal have taken a large contingent of youngsters with them for the first-team’s training camp in Dubai.

Here’s an assessment of the nine prospects who have made the trip.

Tommy Setford – Goalkeeper (Age: 18)

The goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Ajax last summer and made his debut against Preston in the Carabao Cup. Setford is extremely confident with the ball at his feet and is also a vocal presence. Currently Arsenal’s third-choice goalkeeper, he could benefit from a loan spell next season.

Jack Porter – Goalkeeper (Age: 16)

Porter has already surpassed expectations by becoming the youngest goalkeeper to ever feature for the Arsenal first-team when he made his debut against Bolton. Possessing superb reflexes, Porter has played a key part for the U18s in their run to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup and also made his debut for the U21s.

Josh Nichols – Right-back (Age: 18)

A talented right-back who can also operate at left-back, Nichols also made his senior debut against Bolton having been involved with the first-team in pre-season. Although he has been out with injury recently, Nichols is nearing a return to action. He reads the game well and also relishes supporting the attack.

Michal Rosiak – Midfielder/Right-back (Age: 19)

This season Rosiak has established himself as a regular in the starting lineup for Arsenal U21s at the base of the midfield, while he is also capable of playing at right-back. Possessing a fine passing range, Rosiak is a free-kick specialist and he also travelled with the first-team to the USA last summer.

Jack Henry-Francis – Midfielder (Age: 21)

Tough-tackling midfielder Henry-Francis is back at Arsenal following a loan spell at Sligo Rovers where he made a major impact. The Republic of Ireland youth international, who can play in various midfield positions, first featured for the Arsenal first-team in a friendly against Hibernian in 2021.

Charles Sagoe Jr – Winger (Age: 20)

Last season Sagoe Jr made his senior debut for Arsenal against Brentford in the Carabao Cup and he has subsequently had loan spells at Swansea and Shrewsbury. The skilful winger has now returned to Arsenal and will hope to be called up to the first-team squad again.

Ismeal Kabia – Winger (Age: 19)

A winger who is extremely quick, Kabia has been a regular for the U21s this season and signed his first professional contract last summer. Kabia isn’t a prolific goalscorer but frequently causes problems for opposing defences with his dangerous crosses. He made his senior debut as a substitute against Bolton.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji – Striker/Winger (Age: 22)

A player who has been at the academy for many years, Butler-Oyedeji was rewarded for all of his hard work when he made his debut for the Arsenal first-team as a late substitute against Dinamo Zagreb. Capable of playing as a striker or a winger, he has had loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham.

Max Dowman – Midfielder/Winger (Age: 15)

Perhaps Arsenal’s standout prospect beyond those already in the first-team, there are high hopes for Dowman, who has already featured for Arsenal U21s. The 15-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger and is capable of driving his team forwards with his incredible flair. Dowman is already a key player for Arsenal U18s and gained experience with the U19s. It is possible that he could feature for the first-team in some capacity next season.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird