Next Max Dowman? Meet the 11 Arsenal FC youngsters hoping to impress Mikel Arteta in pre-season

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Next Max Dowman? Meet the 11 Arsenal youngsters hoping to impress Mikel Arteta in pre-season

World Cup absences open door for Gunners academy talents to shine this summer

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Matt Verri

2 minutes ago

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Arsenal’s academy stars will look to catch Mikel Arteta’s eye during their pre-season training camp in Spain.

The Gunners have flown out ahead of their first official match of the summer against Girona on Saturday.

With William Saliba injured and seven others still on holiday after deep runs at the World Cup, Arteta has filled his squad with a strong contingent of academy prospects.

Those range from some who have already made senior debuts to others hoping for a first opportunity, potentially with loan moves in mind.

Max Dowman is also on tour with Arsenal and will be viewed by every youngster as the player to try and emulate after his stunning breakthrough campaign last term.

Here are the 11 Arsenal academy players who have travelled to Spain...

Josh Ogunnaike

Can play either in the centre of defence or at left-back.

Ogunnaike signed his first professional contract earlier this month and trained with the first team in the final weeks of last season.

Louie Copley

Played an hour against MK Dons on Saturday, starting at right-back in the absence of Jurrien Timber and Ben White.

Came through the age ranks as a midfielder but is viewed as a versatile option. Spent second half of last season on loan at Crawley.

Ceadach O’Neill

Signed from Linfield two years ago and the 18-year-old has already been capped twice at senior level by Northern Ireland.

Scored against MK Dons and has caught the eye as a winger or as a striker. Very highly-rated.

Going places: Ceadach O’Neill is a very highly-regarded prospect in Arsenal’s academy

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Marli Salmon

Just about still counts as an academy player despite a breakthrough campaign last season.

Still only 16 but made his Champions League debut last term and also started in the FA Cup. Arteta has shown he really trusts him.

Ismeal Kabia

Will turn 21 at the end of the year and a decision needs to be made over his future.

Spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury and will view any opportunities this pre-season as an audition.

Leader: Brayden Clarke has captained Arsenal at Under-21 level

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Brayden Clarke

The centre-back has represented Wales through to Under-19 level.

Has captained the U21s for Arsenal and regularly trained with the first team, suggesting the next move could be getting regular senior football elsewhere.

Khari Ranson

Ranson was on the bench when Dowman delivered his heroics against Everton last season.

The 18-year-old is a lifelong Arsenal fan and should get more opportunities around the first team this summer before David Raya returns.

Ife Ibrahim

Joined Arsenal as a seven-year-old and signed his first professional contract at the start of the year.

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The midfielder made his senior debut in the Champions League against FC Kairat and is set to get more chances.

Midfield potential: Ife Ibrahim has been taking inspiration from Declan Rice

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Demiane Agustien

The 18-year-old Dutchman can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.

Got on assist against MK Dons on Saturday and impressed last season in his first campaign with the club after arriving from Derby.

Theo Julienne

Another teenager capable of playing at right-back or in midfield.

Has represented England at U16 and U17 level and offers an extra weapon with a dangerous long throw.

Andre Harriman-Annous

The forward got his opportunity in pre-season last summer and caught Arteta's eye. He led the line against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

“Since pre-season, when he was with us, I was very impressed with him," Arteta said.

"His mentality, how much he wants it. That’s the first ingredient. He’s desperate to achieve his dream.”

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