Three Arsenal youngsters to look out for in 2021: £28m defender and 18-year-old included

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The new year looks set to be a pivotal one for Mikel Arteta after a tough time for the Arsenal boss in recent months.

The Gunners are languishing in the bottom-half of the Premier League. And their current run of form surely cannot continue much longer if Arteta is going to get the chance to prove his doubters wrong.

It has been a bleak spell for the club. But the young players in and around the first-team have provided reason for optimism in recent times.

And it appears that putting more faith in the younger members of the squad may be one way for Arteta to secure some breathing space.

So with that in mind, here is TBR’s three Arsenal youngsters to keep a keen eye out for in 2021…

Emile Smith Rowe

In truth, it is a big surprise that Emile Smith Rowe has only recently made his first Premier League appearance of the season. The 20-year-old has looked bright whenever he has been given a chance.

Smith Rowe looked bright after coming in on Boxing Day. And Arteta would arguably be asking for trouble if he decided to take him out of the team for Willian anytime soon.

Miguel Azeez

Miguel Azeez made his Arsenal debut this month. The 18-year-old has looked superb for the youth ranks in recent times. He is skilful and loves to stride forward when in possession.

He is perhaps a little further away from the first-team fold than Smith Rowe. But with Thomas Partey proving to be the only central midfielder stamping his authority on a place in Arteta’s ranks, there is an opening that Azeez could perhaps exploit in the coming months.

William Saliba

It is remarkable that William Saliba is still waiting for the chance to make his debut. But in light of recent reports, this could be a controversial pick.

As noted by Football London, the £28 million signing could leave on loan in January. So perhaps it is entirely possible that the Frenchman could go into 2022 still awaiting his first-team bow.

But if any loan move works out well and Arsenal still have defensive issues to address heading into next season, Saliba has to be in consideration for a prominent role during the second-half of 2021.