Whilst Petr Cech is Arsenal’s only recognised signing picked up by mainstream media this summer, the Gunners have made some very shrewd moves in the market to strengthen their youth prospects.
The new head of youth, Andries Jonker is heavily responsible for the investment in youth this summer. Arsenal had made strengthening their youth set up a priority this summer after a poor showing from the youth teams last season.
1. Donyell Malen
Signed from: Ajax
Age: 16
Nationality: Dutch
Position: Striker
Malen has very recently signed for Arsenal. Ajax have confirmed the deal and reports suggest that the Dutch club had made a lot of effort to try and keep hold of the highly rated teenage forward.
2. Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Signed from: Lens
Age: 17
Nationality: French
Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
Well you’ve probably heard about this one. Adelaide has come in and obviously impressed in training to be immediately included in the Gunners squad for the Emirates Cup. He featured in both games and looked like he had plenty of raw talent. Arsene Wenger has publicly backed the player and clearly rates him very highly.
3. Yassin Fortune
Signed from: Lens
Age: 16
Nationality: French
Position: Attacker
Signed in a double deal along with Reine-Adelaide – Fortune is a year younger and plays further up the field. He’s capable of playing across the front three and is also very highly rated, with Manchester United also reportedly heavily interested in the 16 year old.
4. Vlad Dragomir
Signed from: ACS Poli Timisoara
Age: 16
Nationality: Romanian
Position: Midfielder
This Romanian midfielder is another creative player who is highly thought of by Jonker. From what we’ve seen on him he’s still physically not very developed, so we will see how he performs in the academy.
5. Kostas Pileas
Signed from: Zypern
Age: 16
Nationality: Cypriot
Position: Left Back
This Cypriot defender was signed in June as Arsenal look to increase their defensive options in the academy.
6. Jordi Osei-Tutu
Signed from: Reading
Age: 16
Nationality: English
Position: Right Back
Signed from Reading, Osei-Tutu is a player capable of playing across the defence and even in midfield, although the 16 year old’s best position is currently considered to be at right back.
7. Ismael Bennacer
Signed from: Arles-Avignon
Age: 17
Nationality: French
Position: Attacker
Ismael has reportedly snubbed Manchester City to sign with Arsenal. Athough this deal is not yet officially confirmed, it is expected he will sign a five year deal with the Gunners in the near future.