First-year scholars confirmed for next season

We are delighted to announce our new first-year scholars for the 2019/2020 season.

This next stage of development will see the players train at London Colney for a two-year period, where they will work with our coaches and support staff, all under the leadership of our Academy Manager Per Mertesacker.

Per has given us a brief overview of the players in our new group. Per said: “After seeing for myself and talking to our coaches, here’s a very quick overview of our new first-year scholars.

Alex Kirk

Alex is a product of our Academy and a player who has been with us for a while now. He is a central defender with a calm attitude, which we have noticed helps him in 1v1 defensive situations.

Catalin Cirjan

Catalin is a Romanian midfielder who recently joined us from Viitorul Domnesti, a local club in his home country. Catalin is a skilful player with speed and precision.

Daniel Oyegoke

Daniel is a right full back who joined us from Barnet two years ago. He is currently an England Under-16 international. He is a player who shows composure on the ball.

Jason Sraha

Jason recently joined us from Chelsea. He is a left-footed centre back with a calm and composed attitude in and out of possession.

Kido Taylor-Hart

Kido is a product of our Academy at Hale End. He is an attacking midfielder and an England under-17 international. Kido has quick combination play around the box and good dribbling skills.

Levi Laing

Levi joined us from Brentford three years ago. He is a versatile defender, who is currently involved with England Under16s. He can play at right back, centre back and also as a holding midfield player.

Luke Plange

Luke is a product of our Academy. Luke is a central striker with outstanding finishing qualities.

Mazeed Ogungbo

Mazeed is another product of our Academy. He is a left-sided defender and Republic of Ireland under-16 international. He played a key part in our under-18s squad last season and is a reliable leader on and off the pitch.

Miguel Azeez

Miguel is a product of our Hale End Academy. He is a central midfielder and an England under-17 international. He is a driven midfielder who brings consistent passing range both in open play and from set plays.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji

Nathan is another graduate from our Academy. He is a forward who presents a threat to opposition defences playing in wide positions and also centrally.

Ovie Ejeheri

Ovie is a goalkeeper with consistency in his handling and timing. He suffered a long-term injury last season, but has shown an excellent attitude and commitment to recover and regain his fitness ready for this coming season. Olvie is also a product from the Arsenal Academy.

Hubert Graczyk

Hubert joined us at under-15 level. He is a goalkeeper who has played for both England and Poland at youth levels. He has excellent distribution with his feet to start attacks.”

Per finished by saying: “We welcome all our new first-year scholars. Some have already been with us for a long time through our academy and others have joined us more recently. This is the next step in their journey. It will be hard work for them and we will be with them every step of the way. Our aim is to make them better people and better footballers. We want to develop Strong Young Gunners, who rise to the challenge on and off the pitch. We are looking forward to their continued development with us.”