Arsenal's Teenage Talent: Ranking the Top 10 Teenagers in Arsene Wenger's Squad

While almost the entire attention regarding Arsenal's squad has been toward the need for new signings and the disregard for current performers, Arsene Wenger delivered and satisfied the demands of the Arsenal fans by securing quality signings, albeit with seconds remaining in the Summer transfer window.

However, upon closer insight into the Frenchman's squad, it is evident the Arsenal tactician has some quality teenage talent. Wenger has long been renowned for his exciting young talent. Since his tenure in North London began in 1996, Arsenal have always boasted promising youngsters.

His 2011-2012 teenagers appear to be a tremendously capable group who could easily challenge for first-team honours or even gain serious end of season awards. Inevitably, some will experience loan spells throughout the season in order to gain first-team exposure, but there is no denying that Wenger possesses much promise in his young squad.

Bleacher Report power ranks the top 10 teenagers in the Arsenal roster as they could ultimately play a vital role in the Gunners' 2011-2012 campaign if injuries persist.

10. Luke Freeman

The 19-year-old possesses a long-term contract with the Gunners and is set to make his first-team debut this season. The striker was signed from Gillingham in 2009 after making his debut as a 15-year-old. Quick, evasive, clinical and strong, Freeman has excelled in the reserve and youth teams at Arsenal and is highly rated by Gunners' officials.

Last season, Freeman was one of the best in the reserves during a pivotal spell with League One side Yeovil Town, in which the Englishman managed 14 appearances, scoring twice. With Arsenal's striking ratio having a tendency to underperform and occasional injury concerns, Freeman could have a breakthrough season in 2011-2012.

9. Carl Jenkinson

The fullback was signed this Summer from Charlton Athletic after the Englishman impressed in with eight League One appearances for Charlton Athletic and loan experience. The 19-year-old is a tough, strong right back whose contributes strongly in attack.

The Englishman has endured quick exposure to Premier League and UEFA Champions League football due to defensive injuries in the opening exchanges of 2011/2012 and although Jenkinson has not been overly convincing, the youngster has shown promise and will grow tremendously in the coming months.

8. Chuks Aneke

The 18-year-old was touted as the "best in England" by Arsenal youth coach Steve Bould and is considered the next Patrick Vieira by youth officials. An imposing, powerful midfielder who is blessed with speed, composure and balance, Aneke has thrived in the reserves in recent seasons and has been at the Gunners' since the age of eight.

Certain to receive an Arsenal debut in the Carling Cup, Aneke is still considered young for the Arsenal first team alongside a number of proffered presences ahead but the Englishman is likely to also experience a loan spell in 2011/2012.

However Chuks Aneke is certainly one to watch in the future.

7. Joel Campbell

A suprise Summer signing by Wenger, Campbell was acquired from Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica and has arrived at the Emirates with a huge promise. The 19-year-old recently starred for Costa Rica U-20 at the 2011 U-20 FIFA World Cup alongside impressive performances for Costa Rica in the Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Efficient, balanced and clinical, many believe the teenager has the ability to emmulate Thierry Henry if given the opportunity. Campbell was unable to gain a work permit for 2011/2012 and will spend the season on loan with French side Lorient FC.

Jack Wilshere

Ryo Miyaichi

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Ignasi Miguel

Joel Campbell

Carl Jenkinson

Francis Coquelin

Benik Afobe

Emmanuel Frimpong

Chuks Aneke

Luke Freeman

6. Benik Afobe

The 18-year-old is hugely rated by Arsene Wenger and his immense form for the Gunners' reserves saw European kings Barcelona attempt to secure the powerful striker. Afobe trained with Arsenal pre-season with the first team and impressed during the Emirates Cup.

It followed a strong 2010/2011 where the forward thrived in League One with Huddersfield Town. Afobe amassed 32 appearances, eight goals and ten assists as the Terriers narrowly missed promotion. With opportunities vacant in the Arsenal forward line, the Englishman has the opportunity to cement a consistent place in the squad, should opportunities arise.

5. Ignasi Miquel

The teenage centre half emerged onto the first team scene last season with two assuring displays in the FA Cup. A strong, tenacious defender who was part of the Barcelona academy, Miquel made his Premier League debut against Liverpool this season and impressed in periods.

The Spaniard has already leap frogged Sebastien Squillaci in the defensive order and is expected to play a strong role in Arsenal's cup competitions. The 18-year-old is also tipped for a loan spell in 2011/2012 which may even be in the English Premier League.

4. Ryo Miyaichi

The Japanese ace was secured in January has had developed rapidly. A stellar loan spell with Dutch giants Feyenoord with 12 appearances, three goals and five assists, earned the 18-year-old a huge reputation in the Eredivisie due to his ferocious runs and glistening speed. Miyaichi was given nick names such as the Japanese Messi and Ryodinho and drew comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Wenger enabled Miyaichi to train with the first team during pre-season where the Japanese dynamo impressed before the Arsenal manager worked tirelessly to secure a work permit for the winger. Yet to make his Arsenal debut, Ryo Miyaichi is set to play a big role in Arsenal's season.

3. Emmanuel Frimpong

The 19-year-old was set to play an integral role in Arsenal's 2010/2011 campaign after a stellar pre-season but a severe Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury ended his season. However the midfielder has returned emphatically, one again enjoying a strong pre season and has already made his Premier League and UEFA Champions League debuts this season.

A tough, powerful and composed defensive midfielder, Frimpong is the deputy to Alexandre Song but many believe consistent strong performances could see the youngster dethrone the Cameroon international. A high shout for PFA Young Player of the Year in 2011/2012.

2. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The most expensive Summer signing for Arsene Wenger. The 18-year-old was one of the most chased prospects in England, signing for £15 million from League One side Southampton. The Englishman is highly rated and touted as the next Theo Walcott.

Chamberlain thrived in League One during 2010/2011, amassing 41 appearances and ten goals to make the PFA 2010/2011 League One Team of the Year. Devastatingly fast, balanced and clinical, the England U-21 star is set for a big season and fans are immensely excited to see what the teenager can do.

1. Jack Wilshere

But of course.

The heart and soul of the Arsenal midfield and a future captain and Gunners' legend. Wilshere was Arsenal's Player of the Season and the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2010/2011, his first full season in the Arsenal first team. The 19-year-old amassed 49 appearances, two goals and nine assits in an outstanding season.

Still so young yet so experienced and composed, when the England international returns from injury in November, Wilshere is set to only continue developing and become World Football's best midfielder.