4 Arsenal Youngsters Who Could See Playing Time in 2015/16 Season

Every season, Arsene Wenger attempts to give an opportunity for young players to shine. His desire to sign new players for the squad during the transfer window will be tempered by a willingness to create chances for academy players to emerge.

Last season, Hector Bellerin was the breakout star from the Arsenal academy. The Spanish full-back began the season as third or fourth choice in his position, and ended it by starting an FA Cup Final.

In this piece, we identify four youngsters who could make the step up and get some senior playing time next season.

Chuba Akpom

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For Chuba Akpom, much will depend on whether or not Arsene Wenger sees fit to send him out on loan. Last season, he was on the fringes of the first-team squad in January, even making a couple of Premier League cameos.

However, once he had signed a new deal he was subsequently loaned to Nottingham Forest. Despite all the buzz about this prolific young striker, he failed to make a significant impact in the Championship. It’s possible Wenger will decide to send him out for another temporary spell.

Akpom may hope he remains at the Emirates Stadium. With Arsenal looking to compete on four fronts, he ought to find himself in the mix for a Capital One Cup place—a traditional starting point for any young player looking to graduate to the first team.

Serge Gnabry

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Serge Gnabry has already undergone a first-team breakthrough. However, a long-term injury problem has set him back some way. Now he must find a way to force himself back into contention.

It’s hard to believe the German youth international is still just 19. He’s been around for a little while, having made his full debut in the unforgettable 7-5 League Cup victory away at Reading in 2012.

This summer, he was with the German U-21 team at the European Championships. This season, his ambition will surely be to make a steady reintroduction to the Arsenal first team.

Gedion Zelalem

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Arsenal supporters have been waiting to see more of Gedion Zelalem for some time now.

Whenever they have been allowed glimpses of the elegant midfielder, Gunners fans have been enraptured by his remarkable vision and pinpoint passing. There is no doubt over the intelligence of this young midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether he yet has the physical stature to cope with senior football.

Zelalem has been named in the squad for Arsenal’s summer tour of Asia, where he will hope to make enough of an impression to enter Wenger’s thoughts when it comes to competitive action.

Krystian Bielik

Arsene Wenger signed Krystian Bielik in January of 2014 for a multi-million pound fee. Although he didn’t make a single senior appearance before the end of 2014/15, it’s surely a matter of time until we see him action with the Arsenal first-team.

Bielik is a defensive midfielder by trade, and his presence in the squad may be what’s dissuading Wenger from making another big signing in that position. If he believes the powerful Pole is a future first-teamer, he will not want to place a major obstacle in the path of his development.

While Francis Coquelin has a secure grasp on the holding role, we may glimpse Bielik in the cup competitions.