3. Serge Gnabry/Isaac Hayden:
The last youngster that could make a genuine impact this season is a toss up between Serge Gnabry and Isaac Hayden. These are two players who’ve been linked with a loan move throughout the summer, and as of yet nothing has developed on that front. This could suggest they’re in Wenger’s plans. We know Wenger rates Gnabry very highly, he’s said it himself, and the young German already made the step up last season, announcing himself with a few accomplished displays. He’s simply a naturally gifted footballer, he has has a lot going for him him; pace, technical quality, and incredible confidence for a player of his age. He bares similarities to Chamberlain, and looks to be a more creative player than the former. Next to Theo, he was arguably the pick of the match when Arsenal faced Tottenham in the FA Cup, winning 2-0, he set up the first, opening up space, carrying the ball into it, driving at defenders, and releasing the ball perfectly for Cazorla to finish. Gnabry has the natural ability to create something out of nothing. Few footballers show this at such a young age, and Gnabry doesn’t look a bit fazed when called upon. He’s injured now, with an unspecified return date, so it’s difficult to predict what the season holds for him, whether he goes out on loan, or stays.
Hayden has also impressed in pre-season, and like Gnabry, looks to have outgrown the youth team. Hayden appears to be another Wenger favourite, and with Arsenal short on centre backs and defensive midfielders, then the young defender could force his way into contention this season. From what I’ve seen, he looks very assured. Whether he’s ready for the chaos of the Premier League is a different matter, but you don’t regularly make the Champions League squad without impressing the manger.