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Arsenal's Hale End Academy has been famous for producing some great talent over the years. The club has had a legacy of great youth products, and has a reputation for having one of the best academies in England.
Whether it be players like Tony Adams, David O'Leary or Ashley Cole, Arsenal's academy has produced players who have gone on to establish themselves as superstars of the sport.
The current crop of Arsenal youngsters also look very promising, with some of them having already been called up to their respective national teams. On that note, here's a look at the five best Arsenal academy graduates who are still at the club:
Special Mention: Reiss Nelson (Currently on loan at Feyenoord).
#5 Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun looks set to be Arsenal's key striker for years to come. The 20-year old looked set to leave the club last season, with a slew of teams across Europe reportedly competing for his signature. However, the striker decided to commit his long-term future to the Gunners, and is ready to continue his development at the club.
Blessed with great pace and physical attributes, Balogun particularly excels in terms of his positioning and finishing ability. The striker scored two goals for Arsenal in the Europa League last season. He was handed his first Premier League start in the 2021-22 season opener against Brentford.
Mikel Arteta has shown that Balogun is in his plans for the future, and the striker is set to have a great career at Arsenal.
#4 Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The longest-serving academy graduate at the club, Ainsley Maitland-Niles established himself in Arsenal's first team during Arsene Wenger's final season at the club.
However, he has never really been able to establish himself in the starting XI under any of the club's subsequent managers so far. Maitland-Niles' greatest strength is his versatility; he can play across midfield and on either flank as a winger or as a full-back. That has, however, been a huge reason why he has not been able to nail down a consistent place in the squad.
His performances have already earned him five international caps for England. But his stint at Arsenal is seemingly coming to an end.
Earlier this summer, Maitland-Niles took to social media to vent his frustration with the club, given his lack of playing time. Although he did end up staying, it looks like only a matter of time before he departs the club.
#3 Eddie Nketiah
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
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 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.
