Top 5 Arsenal youth prospects to watch out for

Arsenal‘s youth system has produced some great players over the years, including the likes of Tony Adams, Liam Brady, Ashley Cole and now both Jake Wilshere and Wojciech Szczesny as of recent.

The Gunners are also amazing at bringing in young talent and turning them into world class superstars, take Cesc Fabregas for example.

Here, we have a look at the five most exciting prospects coming out of Arsenal’s famed academy:

Thomas Eisfeld

Signed from Borussia Dortmund in January 2012, Eisfeld scored twice during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia 2013.

Arsene Wenger obviously sees a lot of promise in the 20-year-old German youth international. His performances on tour reflect the manager’s observations and he may well be rewarded with some first-team action this term and hopefully make his Premier League debut.

Serge Gnabry

Serge Gnabry

He made six appearances for Neil Banfield’s reserve side as well as scoring six goals in eight games for the Under-18 squad, including an incredible strike on his debut against Crystal Palace.Gnabry is the second German to be on the list, and he surprised the coaching staff during his first year at Arsenal.

The pacey winger is highly-rated at the Emirates stadium and signed his professional contract last summer after just turning 17.

Nico Yennaris

Nico Yennaris

Yennaris is a centre midfielder by trade but is versatile to play in defence.

Nico made his first team Premier League debut at right-back against Manchester United where he had to mark Nani.

Last season, Nico captained Arsenal in NextGen Series and also scored against the cup holders Inter Milan. He has also had a brief spell on-load to League One side Notts County.

Ryo Miyaichi

Ryo Miyaichi

The Japanese international joined Arsenal in January 2011 but due to not being able to get a work permit, the Gunners sent him out on-loan to Feyenoord where he caught the eye of many Arsenal fans, scoring two amazing goals and impressing with his pace and skill.

Having gained a UK work permit, he was given the number 31 and subsequently loaned to Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic to gain some Premier League experience.

Miyaichi has been named in Arsenal’s first team for the season and also featured during the pre-season tour of Asia.

Chuba Akpom

Chuba Akpom

The 17-year-old is a pacey forward who can play anywhere across the frontline. He was a regular choice in the youth team last season, scoring twice in 15 appearances whilst still being a schoolboy.

Akpom signed his professional contract with Arsenal on his 17th birthday. The teenager featured in the pre-season tour of Asia as he came off the bench to score the winner as the Gunners completed an unbeaten tour of Southeast with a 2-1 win against Japanese side Urawa Red.

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This article was written by Matthew Thoma. You can view his writing regularly on his blog, http://matthewthoma.wordpress.com and also follow him on twitter @MatthewThoma_.