Arsenal FC: 6 Reserve Players Who Could Make a Big Impact in the Near Future

Arsene Wenger has certainly made no secret of his desire to promote youth in recent years, and players like Jack Wilshere who rise through the youth ranks to quickly become stars prove this.

With many stars set to leave this summer, Wenger will probably dip into his pool of reserve talent to find the next impact player instead of buying one directly from another club.

In order to soften the blow and tell disgruntled Arsenal fans that this isn't so bad while preparing for the inevitable, I have compiled a list of 6 promising youngsters who are destined to be given an opportunity by Wenger to showcase their talents in the near future.

These stars of tomorrow will be rocking the Emirates for the glorious price of £0!

Enjoy.

Ignasi Miquel

The slick Catalan defender progressed exponentially in the Reserves this past season, captaining Neil Banfield's side on a number of occasions and putting on classy displays consistently. 

This string of impressive performances naturally caught the eye of Le Boss, and "Iggy" earned a start in an FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient, showing composure and skill beyond his years. He also won some aerial battles during that game, which, as any Gooner knows, is a huge area that the squad needs to improve on.

While he is set for Carling Cup time next season to give him some experience, uneasy displays by Arsenal defenders on numerous occasions may speed his development and force the 18-year old into the squad.

Instead of opening his wallet to buy Christopher Samba or Gary Cahill, Wenger may elect to gamble on another Catalan phenom or wait a couple of years for Miquel to fully develop whilst sticking with the current crop of defenders already present at the club, to many fans' chagrin.

Francis Coquelin

A main concern for Arsenal supporters has been a lack of players who can provide cover and competition for Alex Song in the Defensive Midfield role. Though not of quite the same stature as Song, the French Coquelin possess plenty of technical ability and is coming off of a great loan spell at Lorient.

At Lorient, he got some valuable experience under his belt, making 24 appearances and scoring once. Manager Christian Gourcuff praised him at the end of the season, especially in his decision-making skills, which is nice to hear about a maturing player.

Instead of buying Scott Parker or another player in the mold of a holding midfielder, he could just elect to promote the versatile Coquelin. 

Emmanuel Frimpong

If you asked an Arsenal supporter during Preseason last year which youngster he or she thought could have a breakout season, most would not have said Jack Wilshere. In fact, another common response would have come up:

Emmanuel Frimpong.

The second defensive midfielder on this list, Frimpong would seem to have the ideal attributes to provide cover for Alex Song and even compete for his place.

The 19-year old unfortunately suffered a cruciate ligament tear which ruled him out for nearly the entire season, and denied him the opportunity to break into the squad that seemed to assured to arise early in the season. 

Frimpong's best attributes are his strength and deft touch on the ball, and Arsenal supporters will no doubt appreciate his tenacity and loyalty to the club.

"

Arsenal FC is pumping through my veins. I will never leave Arsenal even if I get released I will beg on both knees to stay they're going to have to escort me [out]

"

That's what I like to hear.

Benik Afobe

"Benik Afobe?! He only just turned 18!"

Yes, I know, voice in my head that told me not to include him on this list. That little man will probably sound off in the heads of everyone who reads this, but allow me to shut him up for you.

Though Afobe is a young lad, he possesses immense ability and has strength and poise that are beyond his tender years. Every time Afobe touches the ball, he has the single-minded approach of scoring.

In the 2009-10 season for the reserves, at a year younger than Afobe is now, the Londoner punched in 20 goals in 25 appearances for the Reserves, and this past season he struck in eight goals in 21 total appearances for Huddersfield.

Not a bad record at all.

Most who watch Afobe come away stunned by his natural ability, and if we have learned one thing about Arsene Wenger, it is that he rewards players with ability.

Ryo Miyaichi

Another very young lad, Miyaichi deserves a mention on this list, if only for his vast potential and talent, and his impressive spell at Feyenoord.

While the Eredivisie is not even close to the Prem in terms of the physicality and skill of the players, it was nevertheless impressive to see a player jump straight from a high school in Japan into a major professional league and do so well. 

Who knows, maybe an impressive preseason could lead to a League Cup debut, and the Emirates might have its first Japanese sensation before long.

Henri Lansbury

With Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, and Denilson rumored to be leaving the Emirates this summer, someone needs to fill the creative hole in midfield and provide depth.

That player might just be Henri Lansbury.

The English U-21 player enjoyed a very successful loan spell with Norwich City, playing a vital role in securing their automatic promotion to the Premier League. He impressed greatly in the League Cup with his goal against Tottenham Hotspur giving fans a taste of what may be to come from the talented youngster.

The intensity he brings to the team is palpable, and the vision of and English and Welsh midfield trio comprised of Wlishere, Ramsey, and Lansbury could endure for a decade, and has Arsenal fans salivating.

With the probable departures of Fabregas and Nasri, perhaps there is a new English era dawning at Arsenal.

Honorable Mentions

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas - The tall striker possesses immense skill, but Wenger has seemed reluctant to use him in the League Cup, and his loan spell with Cardiff was not particularly productive, leading many to question whether he has a future at the Emirates.

Conor Henderson - He made one productive appearance in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient but probably needs a loan spell or two before he can leap ahead of all the wingers in the pecking order at Arsenal.

Pedro Botelho - The pacey left back has always shown considerable promise, impressing on loan spells in Spain with Celta Vigo and Cartagena. However, no one knows when he will be able to appear at the Emirates because of ongoing work permit issues. It's too bad, since the impending departure of Gael Clichy would make him very useful

Carl Jenkinson - Is he a right back or a center half? Plus, there is a significant step up from Charlton to the Premier League.

Craig Eastmond - He's shown promise, but has seemingly dropped behind Emmanuel Frimpong and Henri Lansbury in the youth midfield pecking order. Unfortunately, he broke his fibula while on loan at Millwall in April.