First-year scholars confirmed for 2024/25

We are delighted to announce our new men’s first-year scholars, who will be joining us ahead of the 2024/25 season.

All 11 players will train at Sobha Realty Training Centre for the next two seasons, where our coaches and support staff will support their development into strong young Gunners. Throughout their journey, they'll be mentored by under-18s head coach Jack Wilshere, and be under the leadership of Luke Hobbs, our Head of Academy Coaching, our Academy Manager Per Mertesacker, and Sporting Director Edu.

Per Mertesacker had this to say after welcoming our latest group of scholars: "I want to congratulate all of our brilliant scholars for this year. They should be incredibly proud. This really is just the start of their journey, and where the hard work and dedication begins.

"With the support of all of our Academy staff, I look forward to seeing each individual continue on their positive pathway into becoming Strong Young Gunners."

Our academy coaches have given us a brief overview of each of the players in this year’s new group of scholars: 

Andre Annous

Forward Andre has the technical ability to play in various positions. He has good awareness of his teammates when in possession to combine with them. He has already played for our under-18s team.

Samuel Chapman

Centre-back Samuel was our under-16s captain last season. He’s a left-footed, effective team player with a good understanding of the game.

Ife Ibrahim

Midfielder Ife joined us in 2016 and has represented England at youth level. He can also play full-back and has a good understanding of our game model – comfortable on the ball and good in 1v1 duels. He has already featured at under-18 level.

Theo Julienne

Midfielder Theo joined us in 2021 and has represented England at youth level. He can play as a right-back or a holding midfielder and has a hugely positive effect on games, always thinking about the next action. He too has featured for our under-18s.

Aleksander Marciniak

Attacking midfielder Aleksander joined us in 2019 and has represented Wales at youth level. A two-footed technician who can play wide or as a number 10, Aleksander is a lifelong learner on the training pitch, always looking to get better.

Joshua Ogunnaike

Left-back Joshua is a strong, powerful defender who likes to get forward. He is strong when defending 1v1 and has a good attitude as an individual who always holds the values of the academy when he represents the football club. He has already played in our under-18s team.

Ceadach O'Neill

Winger Ceadach joined us from Northern Irish side Linfield. He represented the club at youth and senior level, whilst also being a regular in the Northern Ireland youth squads. With strong 1v1 qualities, Ceadach has an excellent work rate, good game insight and the ability to play with both feet.

Samuel Onyekachukwu

Centre-back Samuel joined us from Watford in 2019. He’s a strong, right-footed defender who is calm under pressure.

Jack Porter

Goalkeeper Jack joined us in 2020 and has represented England at youth level. He’s a confident goalkeeper on and off the pitch, and in possession he's very good at helping the team start the attack. Out of possession, he is agile and a good shot-stopper. He has already played for our under-18s team.

Khari Ranson

Goalkeeper Khari represented England at youth level. He’s a consistent performer who is highly respected by players and staff and has already played for our under-18s.

Louis Zecevic John

Forward Louis joined us in 2020 and has represented Serbia at youth level. He’s a wide player with pace and power who can beat his fullback and has assisted and scored many goals while at Hale End, having already played for our under-18s team.