Five Arsenal youngsters who may break into the first team in 2017/18

#4 Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ versatility means he’s likely to get into the first team soon

19-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another technically astute player rising through the ranks at Colney. The Englishman, who can either play across the defence or in midfield, has already made his senior debut for the Gunners but could seal a permanent switch to the first-team next season.

Given the side are losing out on Mathieu Debuchy and Cark Jenkinson, Maitland-Niles has the possibility of making the reserve right-back spot all his. And having spent time with Ipswich Town last season where he made 32 appearances for Mick McCarthy’s side, he’s not short on the experience of playing in a demanding league.

Maitland-Niles is also the second-youngest Arsenal star to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League – behind Jack Wilshere – when he played against Galatasaray in December 2014 as a 17-year-old.