5 Arsenal youngsters to look out for

There is a huge amount of talent among the younger players in Arsenal's academy side. Most recently, the under 23s were crowned Premier League 2 champions. Players such as Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah were all heavily involved in the winning campaign.

Apart from their amazing performances for the youth side this season, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has chosen to reward some of the young stars by giving them opportunities to play alongside the senior players.

Gaining first-hand experience in Premier League is one of the most critical components in preparing these young players for the future. They will soon be the ones emerging from the tunnel and playing in the starting line-up as the senior players step down.

Here are five talents that Arsenal fans should look out for in the coming years.

---

#5 Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson has one of the greatest prospects in the team

The 18-year-old has starred in 10 Premier League 2 appearances for the Arsenal under-23 team. He has scored eight times and provided two assists for his team-mates.

Without any doubt, he is one of the most highly-rated youngsters that Arsenal has. Wenger has also chosen to start Nelson in a couple of Europa League matches during the group stage and has shown confidence in the player.

Even though he has not quite lived up to the hype, Arsenal fans can expect Nelson to continue developing and ultimately reach his potential.

The England starlet is rumoured to be close to signing a new Arsenal contract and the Gunners can expect to see him involved more with the senior squad. He recently started for the senior squad in Arsenal's victory over Southampton. The Arsenal academy product showcased his energetic runs and dribbling skills during the match even though he did not complete the full match.

Recently, Nelson brought glory to Arsenal as he led the rest of the young stars to the Premier League 2 trophy. The English player is certainly a player to look out for over the next few seasons.

#4 Joe Willock

Willock starred in the defeat to Newcastle

Willock made his first Premier League start against Newcastle a week ago. Despite a nervy beginning to his game and lots of pressure on him to shine, Willock dealt everything calmly and with maturity. In this match, he made four tackles, which was the joint most of any other Arsenal player.

The Arsenal academy product has five assists to his name in 11 appearances for the youth team in Premier League 2 this season. As a central midfielder, he looks to be lacking a bit of physical strength to battle his opponents off the ball.

However, if he is able to utilise his pace and body well to shield the ball and move the ball quickly, Willock can become a promising midfielder for Arsenal.

#3 Eddie Nketiah

Nketiah has scored on a consistent basis for Arsenal's youth team

In Premier League 2, Nketiah has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances this season. Even though he has not made his Premier League start for the senior side, many fans are already aware of his goalscoring potential.

Back in late 2017, the promising striker came off the bench to score two goals for the Gunners, helping Arsenal progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal have, at times, lacked a goalscorer who can finish off half chances, with Alexandre Lacazette not scoring as frequently as one would expect, and Danny Welbeck unable to find his form.

To make matters worse, Arsenal sold Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud in the January transfer window. Fortunately, the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one of the best strikers in the world, has added much-needed firepower to the Gunners' frontline.

With Nketiah establishing a reputation for scoring, he could provide some competition to the other strikers that Arsenal has.

Nketiah started his career as a Chelsea player but was released by the London club in 2015. Arsenal snapped him up quickly and has now been called upon as a substitute for the first team. In 2017, the academy product was called up for England Under 19 squad. Since then, he scored eight times in eight games.

#2 Jeff Reine-Adelaide

Reine-Adelaide has been loaned out to gain experience

The French youngster joined Arsenal's youth side after a move from Lens FC. However, he struggled with injuries and was unable to get much game-time in the first team. As a result, he was loaned out to Angers FC to play in Ligue 1.

Now playing in Ligue 1, he is starting to find himself in a good form. He has topped Europe's dribbling charts back in March and is accurate in his passing. There have been high expectations from the 20-year-old to perform and the loan move to gain experience could prove to be valuable.

With a tall stature, the Frenchman is excellent in aerial duels. Arsenal lack players with a tall built and this physical feature could give him an advantage in getting a place in the first-team.

#1 Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Maitland-Niles came on for injured Mohamed Elneny over the weekend

Arsene Wenger has shown a great amount of trust and confidence in Maitland-Niles this season. He has made 12 appearances for the senior side and played a full match when Nacho Monreal was injured.

By nature, Maitland-Niles' preferred position is in midfield. However, Wenger sees him as a defender and has played him as a full-back.

The 20-year-old player has the ability to challenge for the ball and eager to provide support to his team-mates in front. His inexperience has sometimes left him exposed at the back.

As compared to other young stars, the English player is certainly the most involved in Arsenal's first-team. There is still scope for him to impress and improve his game, but he has thus far not disappointed Wenger's faith.