Ranking Arsenal's 10 Best Academy Players (2025)

Arsenal has long been known for producing exciting and talented academy prospects at Hale End, with players like Jack Wilshere and Bukayo Saka standing out as prime examples. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the club has shown a willingness to give young players a chance to prove themselves, often throwing them into the deep end to see whether they sink or swim. With another promising batch of youngsters coming through, now is the perfect time for fans to keep a close watch on them.

During Arsenal's pre-season tour of the USA ahead of the 2024/2025 Premier League campaign, Arteta gave significant first-team minutes to several young talents, who duly impressed. Despite losing Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United, the Gunners still boast a number of exciting prospects, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom have begun to make an impact on the senior squad. Here’s a look at the top ten young talents currently at Arsenal, as we explore whether the club might be on the verge of a golden generation.

10. Brayden Clarke

Arsenal made headlines last year with the signing of Brayden Clarke from Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking the end of the Welsh youth international's eight-year stint with the Midlands club. Clarke, widely regarded as a rising star in football, could prove to be a fantastic addition to Arsenal's ranks in the years ahead.

While it may take some time for Clarke to displace the established pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel in central defence due to their excellent form, this could actually work to Clarke's advantage. When he does get minutes with the senior squad, he'll likely do so in a less-pressured environment, giving him the space to develop further.

Clarke is versatile, comfortable playing both as a right-back and in his natural central role, having featured in both positions across 10 appearances in the Under-18s Premier League. If his form and development continue on their current trajectory, it won’t be long before Clarke becomes a more prominent figure in Arsenal’s first team.

9. Tommy Setford

Last year, Arsenal secured the signing of goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax, where he began his youth career. The Dutch-born keeper was brought in for a reported fee just under £1 million, and the four-year contract he received from the Gunners reflects the club’s belief in his potential to develop into a top talent.

Setford’s progress this season has been hampered by injury, and he has spent much of the campaign battling fitness issues. Despite this, he has made five appearances in youth competitions for Arsenal, conceding only twice in 450 minutes of action. While Setford clearly has the potential to make an impact, he will need to overcome his injury setbacks quickly to start gaining more consistent playing time with the first team.

8. Khayon Edwards

Khayon Edwards has been with Arsenal since 2008, gradually rising through the ranks over 15 years. He made his senior debut in 2023 and spent time on loan at Leyton Orient last year. After returning to North London, Edwards has shown excellent form in the Arsenal youth side.

In the current Premier League 2 season, Edwards has scored seven goals and provided two assists in just 10 appearances. He has also featured twice in the EFL Trophy against teams from League One and League Two. With injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Edwards may get an opportunity with the senior team, though he faces competition from fellow youth striker Butler-Oyedeji. Regardless, it’s a promising sign for Arteta's squad to have two talented prospects vying for a spot.

7. Ceadach O'Neill

Everyone at Kilrea GAC would like to wish Céadach O'Neill all the best of luck as he heads off to London to take up a 3 year contract with Arsenal FC's U18 squad.

We are excited to see what comes next for you, Céadach.

Good luck and enjoy it all  pic.twitter.com/oMGW7P2nSq

— Kilrea GAC (@KilreaGAC) June 30, 2024

Ceadach O'Neill, a versatile winger or attacking midfielder, joined the Arsenal academy in the summer of 2024 after completing his move from Linfield. Having already featured for Linfield’s senior team and earned U17 caps for Northern Ireland, O'Neill is seen as a promising talent. It came as no surprise when Arsenal decided to sign him after watching him closely during a trial.

The 16-year-old made four first-team appearances for Linfield, all as a substitute. His trial with Arsenal included a stint during the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Brazil. According to The Daily Mirror, Arsenal are confident that O'Neill will thrive in his new environment and become a valuable asset to the academy.

6. Jack Porter

Jack Porter becomes the second-youngest Arsenal debutant ever at 16 years and 72 days old  pic.twitter.com/Z9qCYxNaVv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 25, 2024

Jack Porter, at just 16 years old, became the youngest goalkeeper to ever play for Arsenal and the second-youngest player in the club’s history. Joining Arsenal at the age of 12, Porter made his senior debut in a 5-1 Carabao Cup win against Bolton Wanderers, playing a key role in the team's progression to the next round.

Though he primarily features for the Arsenal youth teams, the experience he's gained with the senior squad has been invaluable. Porter’s appearance against Bolton marked a significant milestone in his development. He has made nine appearances for the youth side this season, benefiting from more opportunities due to Tommy Setford’s injury issues. Being included on the bench for three Champions League matches also highlights the trust Mikel Arteta has in him, giving the young goalkeeper much to be proud of.

5. Josh Nichols

A name that may have been unfamiliar to many Arsenal fans before the pre-season, Nichols has quickly risen through the ranks, impressing Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff, even earning valuable first-team minutes sooner than expected. Though diminutive in stature, Nichols is lightning-fast, showcasing his intensity and determination during Arsenal's 2024 summer tour of the USA. His performances earned him a spot in the squad for the 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

With the wealth of defensive talent at Arsenal, including players like Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jurrien Timber, breaking into the first team as a right-back will be a challenge for Nichols in the immediate future. However, whether through a loan spell or continuing to develop with the U21s and youth teams, Nichols has the potential to forge a future at the club in the long term.

4. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji

Having been with Arsenal throughout his youth career, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji made the leap to senior football in 2022 and has since gained valuable experience on loan, first with Accrington Stanley in 2023 and then with Cheltenham Town in 2024.

This season, Butler-Oyedeji has been in scintillating form for the Gunners' youth side, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in the Premier League 2. With ongoing discussions about Arsenal's attacking options, Butler-Oyedeji may soon find himself with an unexpected opportunity to feature for the first team.

Following Gabriel Jesus' long-term ACL injury sustained against Crystal Palace and Kai Havertz’s hamstring setback in February, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, Arsenal now find themselves without a fit, senior, natural striker.

Given the circumstances, Butler-Oyedeji could see more first-team involvement in the coming months, having already made his senior debut in the Champions League earlier in the season.

3. Max Dowman

The youngest player on this list, but undoubtedly one with immense potential, Max Dowman has already started to make waves at just 14 years old. In early 2024, the midfielder registered an astounding four assists in Arsenal's U18s' 5-2 win over Everton, prompting Jack Wilshere to suggest that the club might accelerate his development. Dowman, a left-footed playmaker, made his U18s debut in September 2023 at the age of 13 and has since also featured for England's U16s.

In just seven appearances in the U18 Premier League, Dowman has scored twice and contributed five assists, including a goal in a 5-2 victory over Chelsea. Due to his impressive early performances, the 14-year-old was invited by Mikel Arteta to train with the Arsenal first team ahead of their Premier League match against Bournemouth. Given the trust Arsenal have placed in him so far, it’s only a matter of time before Dowman steps into senior football with the Gunners.

2. Myles Lewis-Skelly

Myles Lewis-Skelly is quickly emerging as one of the most promising midfielders to come through the Arsenal academy in recent years. He solidified his status as one of the club's top prospects by signing his first professional contract earlier this month. Alongside another young star featured on this list, Arsenal could have their midfield future secured for the next decade if everything goes to plan. Known for his technical ability, which is at the heart of Arsenal's philosophy, Lewis-Skelly also boasts a rare combination of pace, power, and a knack for scoring, particularly when driving forward from midfield.

While Declan Rice currently anchors the Arsenal midfield, Lewis-Skelly will be eyeing the possibility of playing alongside him in the future. Although he's been used at left-back for the time being, his exposure to the first team will only accelerate his development.

So far this season, Lewis-Skelly has made 20 appearances for Arsenal, scoring his first goal in a dominant 5-1 victory over reigning champions Manchester City. With aspirations to break into the England senior squad, it's clear that this teenager is one to watch—remember the name, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

"It means the world to me, my boyhood club ever since I can remember. To play for Arsenal, I’m truly speechless. It feels amazing. I’m so delighted because, since I was a boy, I’ve been dreaming of this moment. To say that I’m a professional football player now is a dream come true for me and I just want to thank all the staff and all my family that came to support me. For the support around me, I couldn’t be any more grateful."

1. Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri is the name on everyone’s lips at Arsenal. At just 15 years old, he made history by becoming the youngest-ever player in Premier League history when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Brentford during the 2022/2023 season. A versatile midfielder who can also operate out wide, Nwaneri is already a regular in the U21s and is widely regarded as a future star. His pace, directness, and composure under pressure make him the epitome of a modern midfielder.

Much like Cesc Fàbregas, who made a name for himself at a young age with Arsenal, Nwaneri will be hoping to follow in the Spaniard's footsteps and achieve similar success. Although first-team opportunities have been somewhat limited this season due to the Gunners’ Champions League commitments—where rotation is less frequent than in the Europa League—Nwaneri is certainly one to watch for the future.

His inclusion in Premier League matches at just 17 is a testament to his exceptional talent. He earned minutes during Arsenal's 6-0 demolition of West Ham in January 2024, and even with the team cruising, Arteta chose to introduce him to the action. To further emphasize the regard in which he's held, club captain Martin Ødegaard immediately sought to get the youngster involved, handing him the ball at every opportunity. The future looks bright for Nwaneri at Arsenal.

Ethan Nwaneri's impressive performances during Arsenal's pre-season tour of the USA served as a clear indication of his exceptional talent. His ability to drive forward from midfield with pace, power, and precision has caught the eye. Throughout the current season, especially after Bukayo Saka's injury, Nwaneri's role in the first team has grown in significance, and his development continues to shine through with every game.

If Arsenal are searching for the next big star to follow in Saka's footsteps, Nwaneri is well on his way to becoming that player. With a strong pool of talent emerging in midfield, Nwaneri stands out as the most promising of the bunch. Given the lack of a natural replacement for Martin Ødegaard and Arteta’s ongoing uncertainty over the left number eight position, Nwaneri could well seize his opportunity sooner rather than later.