Arsenal boss Unai Emery has been given the gigantic task of reconstructing his squad on a tight budget this summer – so here are five youngsters who are yet to start a senior match that he can use to bolster his ranks in the first-team this season.
Zech Medley
Defender Medley caught the eye of Emery last season and came off the bench three times in relatively straight forward Europa League and FA Cup wins.
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Naturally a big, commanding centre-back, he has also been used at left-back, as shown against Blackpool in the FA Cup third-round tie.
Still just 18, he was a regular in Gunners’ U23 side last year that finished just behind Premier League 2 champions Everton.
Tolaji Bola
At 20 years old, this could be a make-or-break season for left-back Bola at Arsenal.
The ex-England U18 international recorded four assists in 16 Premier League 2 matches two years ago, showing his desire to attack as well as defend.
Also, his ability to play at centre-back and defensive-midfield will undoubtedly favour him when Emery looks for youngsters to fill his bench.
Reiss Nelson
Perhaps the youngster most Gooners want to see in action this summer, Nelson returns to the Emirates Stadium from an excellent loan spell in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim.
The England U21 winger started his time in Germany in fine form as he found the back of the net six times in his first seven games.
He tailed off somewhat, only scoring one more goal throughout the rest of the season, but regular game time in one of the top leagues in the world will no doubt make him Premier League ready.
Xavier Amaechi
Another young Gunners winger, 18-year-old Amaechi managed to nail down the right-wing spot in the U23 Premier League 2 side.
He went on to become a key part of Freddie Ljunberg’s team, who spent 2019 unbeaten, beating Manchester City 5-1 in the process.
Amaechi could make the odd Europa League appearance here or there, but with several youngsters pushing for places, he is unlikely to make a case for a starting spot this year.
Tyreece John-Jules
Another 18-year-old who has played regularly with players outside his age group, life in the U18 Premier League proved too easy for clinical striker John-Jules, who managed to grab back-to-back hat-tricks against Leicester.
He made the step up to the U23 side seamlessly, scoring four goals in as many matches after he was moved up front.
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John-Jules can also play on the right-wing and just behind the striker, and his versatility could bag him some game time under Emery.
(Daily Star)
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
