Top 5 youth prospects at Arsenal right now (2021)

Arsenal v Fulham - Premier League
Arsenal v Fulham - Premier League

#3 Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal v AFC Wimbledon - Carabao Cup Third Round
Arsenal v AFC Wimbledon - Carabao Cup Third Round

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery did not enjoy the best of spells in London, but he did promote some fine young players. The Spaniard was particularly proud of the progress Gabriel Martinelli was making.

Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019, signing from Brazilian outfit Ituano Futebol Clube. Emery was thoroughly impressed with the shift the youngster was putting in and gave him chances in all four competitions Arsenal were playing in.

Martinelli shone brightly in all four, registering 10 goals and four assists across all competitions.

The 20-year-old has faded a little over the last two seasons, but he still has plenty of time to get back on track.


#2 Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Round of 16
Arsenal v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Round of 16

A year back, Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe was not at the top of anyone’s list of youth prospects. However, over the last few months, Smith Rowe has proved his mettle and now proudly wears the Arsenal number 10 shirt.

Smith Rowe is a capable, young midfielder who loves to push forward and break through the opposition lines. He has a fantastic right foot and is an expert at having a go at goal. Since making his competitive debut in December 2018, his career graph has only moved in one direction - upwards.

Even at this young age, Smith Rowe has had to deal with his fair share of injuries. But instead of letting them discourage him, the 21-year-old has made it a point to bounce back stronger than ever.

Smith Rowe has featured in 12 games for Arsenal this season, recording four goals and two assists across all competitions.


#1 Bukayo Saka

Arsenal v Aston Villa - Premier League
Arsenal v Aston Villa - Premier League

Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka is the most promising young player at the club and by a country mile. The 20-year-old enrolled in the academy at the tender age of seven and has not looked back since.

Coming up through the club’s youth system, the current Arsenal number 7 featured for the U-18 and U-23 sides before playing for the senior team. He was only 17 when Arsenal handed him his competitive debut in their Europa League clash with Vorskla Poltava.

A month later, in December 2018, Saka started his first match in the Europa League, against Qarabag.

Needless to say, the left midfielder has only grown in confidence since and has emerged as one of Arsenal’s best players. The Englishman registered seven goals and ten assists for the Gunners last season, which made him Arsenal’s Player of the Year.

He has started strongly this season as well and could very well eclipse his last season’s tally by the end of the campaign.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar
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