Hale End is more than just a dusty old youth setup. It brought us Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and a slew of other ballers who aren’t scared to seize the stage. And honestly? The following wave appears to be even hotter.
Some of these kids have already caught a scent of first-team football. So, who is cooking at the academy right now? Let’s look at the top ten Arsenal wonderkids to keep a watch on in 2025.
10. Tommy Setford, custodian.
Setford has had more run-ins with the physio than he’d like to admit, but what about when he’s on the pitch? Dude’s got sauce. Super swift, ice-cold in one-on-ones, and exudes confidence as a teenager. If he can maintain his legs and ligaments intact, Arsenal could have a real gem in goal. Fingers crossed, right?
9. Brayden Clarke – Defender Clarke joined from Wolves last year with a clear intention to take over. Wales U17s, back-to-back Euros, and he’s already on the Arsenal bench before he’s legally allowed to vote. Reads the game like a seasoned veteran and avoids being bullied in duels. He moves so quickly that if you blink, you’ll miss his climb.
7. Jack Porter, Keeper
The youngest custodian to appear for Arsenal’s senior team. Not a big thing, right? He entered the Carabao Cup without hesitation and appeared unconcerned. The calmest guy in the stadium can play it short, long, or whatever you want. Coaches trust him, and you get a sense he’ll be back with the big boys soon.
6. Ceadach O’Neill – Midfielder
Fresh from Linfield, O’Neill has already watched more men’s football than most Premier League players his age. He has the technical swagger and the muscle to back it up, and he sees passes that others do not. Arsenal is playing a long game with him, but you can see the pieces coming together. Keep an eye on this space.
5. Who is Josh Nichols, the right-back? This dude has an engine on him. He moves up and down that flank as if he has a destination. Made a statement during the US pre-season tour—locked down on his side, but also enjoys a cheeky overlap. Modern fullback vibes all the way. If he continues to attract attention, Arteta will be unable to ignore him.
4. Marli Salmon, Centre-back
People are already saying “Saliba 2.0,” and honestly, I understand. Salmon is 16 and appears to have been bossing defences since infancy. Never panics, organises everyone, and even performs a Cruyff turn or two. He was the backbone of that FA Youth Cup campaign. The kid has presence.
3. Andre Harriman-Annous, Midfielder/Forward.
Ask about Flexibility. Harriman-Annous can play in the middle, up top, or even in goal if you ask gently. Tireless, sharp on the ball, and earned a spot on the Premier League bench. That is a “coaches are watching you” type of nod. With each game, he makes it more difficult to leave him out.
3. Myles Lewis-Skelly: Fullback
What about this guy? Electric. He signed on professional terms and is already being spoken about as a future midfield general. Can sprint with the ball, split defences, and score for England’s young teams when it means most. The hype is real.
2. Max Dowman, a 15-year-old midfielder, is already making history. Who is the UEFA Youth League’s youngest scorer? Check. Premier League debut? Also, check. The left foot is a wand, the vision is insane, and you can’t teach that type of swag. Europe is watching, not just Arsenal.
1. Ethan Nwaneri: Attacking Midfielder
The biggest one. Nwaneri made his Premier League debut at the age of 15, and he looked right at home. Just glides past people, ridiculous touch, and begins to fill out physically. Everyone at Arsenal very much agrees that he’s the next big thing. This youngster isn’t simply built for success; he’s destined for it. Remember the name.
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