Top 5 current Arsenal players who graduated from the club's academy

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one of the top Arsenal academy graduates.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one of the top Arsenal academy graduates.

#3 Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah has not been able to break into Arsenal's starting XI.
Eddie Nketiah has not been able to break into Arsenal's starting XI.

Eddie Nketiah introduced himself to Arsenal fans back in 2017 with a brace against Norwich City in the League Cup after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute. Nketiah has since established himself as the club's backup striker behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

The Englishman's movement and positional sense has allowed him to score 14 goals for Arsenal across competitions. It does, however, seem like Nketiah may have to depart the club to continue his development, as he has seen his playing-time drop over the past few months.

It remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta is ready to put his faith in the striker.


#2 Emile Smith-Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe has made huge strides at Arsenal.
Emile Smith Rowe has made huge strides at Arsenal.

The 'Croydon De Bruyne', as he's known by Arsenal supporters, made his debut for the club in 2018. He has since gone on to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Emile Smith-Rowe was handed the no. 10 shirt by the club earlier this summer. That means Mikel Arteta is ready to put a lot of responsibility on the 21-year old's shoulders. The young midfielder's dynamism and ability on the ball has been invaluable to the side since last season.

Smith-Rowe is also versatile enough to play across the frontline. His approach and effort he puts into every game has already made him a fan-favourite at the club. The Englishman is set to have a huge campaign ahead of him as an established player in Mikel Arteta's starting XI.


#1 Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has excelled at Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka has excelled at Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka has had a meteoric rise at Arsenal since making his debut for the club in 2018. The Englishman has only gone from strength to strength, and has become one of the team's key players.

Having just turned 20, Saka has already established himself as an England international as well. He was a part of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad. The midfielder's performances for club and country have brought him rich plaudits.

Saka's pace, dribbling and creativity are his main strengths., The 20-year's old displays the composure and maturity of a veteran. The Englishman is also highly versatile; he is able to play in midfield and on the flanks as either a winger or as a full-back.

The youngster could be key as Arsenal look for a top-6 finish this season and return to European competition.

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