Every Tuesday we bring you a round-up of what’s been happening with the youth teams.
In addition, we also take a look at how the players on loan have done over the past seven days.
News
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry has begun his road back to Arsenal in a coaching capacity by undertaking training at the Hale End Academy.
The striker has begun his coaching badges with the Welsh FA.
New signing
Arsenal have signed young striking ‘sensation’ Jay Beckford from Leyton Orient.
The 15-year-old was subject to the Elite Player Performance Programme and, as a result, Arsenal will be required to pay what will amount to ‘substantial’ compensation based on numerous clauses.
Jon Toral wants new deal
Four knee operations in four years due to a genetic problem with a lax meniscus, Jon Toral is now injury free but out of contract in the summer.
Iwobi to be capped
Scholarships
Arsenal have offered seven players scholarship terms, or, to put it another way, the majority of the u16 team.
The players are Joshua Da Silva (striker), Joe Willock (Chris’s younger brother – their other brother plays with Manchester United youth), Nathan Tella (winger), Tolaji Bola (defender), Charlie Gilmore (midfielder), Eddie Nketiah (striker), and Marcus Tabi (winger).
They also released four players including Rugare Musendo, Tyler Hayles and Kwai Marsh-Brown.
Arsenal say no to Beckham
David Beckham’s son Brookyln has also been released by Arsenal after they decided against offering the youngster scholarship terms, however he will remain at Hale End until the end of the season to maintain his fitness.
Romeo and Cruz, Beckham’s brothers are both also at the Academy with Romeo, 12, seen as the best prospect of the three.
FA Youth Cup
Arsenal are out of the FA Youth Cup after they lost 3-2 to Crewe.
Goals from Mavididi and Bola were not enough to claw back the deficit after going three-goals down.
Loan watch
Joel Campbell
Joel played 69 minutes for Villarreal as they defeated Eibar and should have grabbed an assist only to see Gerard Moreno put his effort over the bar.
Yaya Sanogo
Yaya did not feature for Palace against Arsenal due to the loan restrictions in place.
Matt Macey
Matt did not feature again for Accrington Stanley as they drew 1-1 with Cheltenham Town. He has not played for the side since they brought in another keeper on loan in January.
Carl Jenkinson
Carl played the full 90 against Tottenham at the weekend as the Hammers drew 2-2 at the Lane.
Ryo Miyaichi
Ryo did not feature. Again. At this point, it’s hard to know what the point of this loan is.
Lukas Podolski
Poldi got himself some minutes, 81 of them to be precise. Still hasn’t managed to score but Milan did beat Cagliari 2-1 away from home.
Jon Toral
Coming on with 30 minutes remaining, Jon, who wants a new Arsenal deal, grabbed himself an assist in Brentford’s 3-1 over AFC Bournemouth.
Wellington Silva
Coming on in the 71st minute, Wellington’s side Almeria lost 3-0 at Atletico Madrid.
Results
Arsenal u18 2 Crewe u18 3 (FA Youth Cup)
West Brom u18 2 Arsenal u18 1 (Premier Academy League)
Upcoming fixtures
Tottenham u18 v Arsenal u18, Wed 25th Feb, 11am, Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre (Premier Academy League)
Arsenal u18 v Norwich u18, Saturday 28th Feb, 11am, behind closed doors (Premier Academy League)