Eight wonderkids Arsenal signed in summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta and Co add serious firepower to academy

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ARSENAL may have had a somewhat underwhelming transfer window for their first team, but they added some serious firepower to their academy.

The Gunners signed eight players to their Hale End ranks during the summer window, investing in future stars that could grow into senior talent.

Last season was something of a disappointment for Arsenal at academy level, as the Under-21s finished 14th out of 29 teams in the Premier League 2 and were eliminated in the group stages of the EFL Trophy.

But a summer of change has sparked an academy revamp that has been backed by a slew of new arrivals.

The U21s are now under the management of David Horseman, while academy director Pascal De Maesschalck has replaced Per Mertesacker at a more senior level.

Here SunSport Arsenal Reporter Joshua Hall breaks down all eight of the new signings to Arsenal’s academy ranks.

JAMES SCANLON

Age: 19
Position: Winger
Signed from: Manchester United

Scanlon is already an experienced professional, racking up 24 senior caps for his country, Gibraltar, and spending the second half of last season on loan from League Two side Swindon.

The winger, who describes himself as a “creative player”, was highly thought of at Man Utd, but has been convinced to make the jump to the Gunners.

Scanlon has already impressed, scoring on his U21s debut for Arsenal against Brighton earlier this week.

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IGOR TYJON

Age: 18
Position: Striker
Signed from: Blackburn Rovers

Arsenal had been chasing Tyjon for over a year and finally got their man this summer, having come close to signing the ace last January.

The highly-rated striker was subject to bids in excess of £1m during his time at Blackburn, having made his senior debut for the club aged just 16.

Tyjon is a sharp-shooter with an impressive goalscoring record and has represented both England and Poland at youth level.

ELIJAH UPSON

Age: 18
Position: Centre-back
Signed from: Tottenham Hotspur

The son of former Arsenal and England ace Matthew Upson, Elijah Upson has crossed the North London divide to join the Gunners from Tottenham.

Spurs had been hoping to keep hold of the young defender, but Upson decided to reject a pro contract and make the switch to Arsenal.

Upson is known for his power at the back and can be a threat in both boxes thanks to his physicality, but is also impressive with the ball at his feet when playing out from the back.

PHOENIX BLAYNEY

Age: 15
Position: Goalkeeper
Signed from: Larne

Blayney has penned pre-contract terms with Arsenal that will see him sign a pro deal when he turns 17.

The young goalkeeper actually spent a brief period on trial with Arsenal before joining from Northern Irish club Larne last month.

Blayney has already represented Northern Ireland U17s eight times, despite being just 15 years old.

AXEL DONCZEW

Age: 16
Position: Winger
Signed from: Cardiff City

A massive coup for Arsenal, Donczew became the youngest player to ever play for Cardiff City when he made his first team debut at just 15 years old.

Like Blayney, the Welshman will sign professional terms when he turns 17 after agreeing a pre-contract at Arsenal.

Donczew is an impressive dribbler with an eye for goal and has represented Wales at Under-19 level despite his young age.

HABEEB OGUNNEYE

Age: 20
Position: Right-back
Signed from: Manchester United

Man Utd have lost two top talents to Arsenal this summer, with Ogunneye joining Scanlon in moving to the capital.

Like Scanlon, Ogunneye has already got some senior football under his belt, having played 22 times for League Two Newport County on loan last season.

The powerful full-back never made his first-team debut but was chosen on the bench for a host of Premier League matches during Erik ten Hag’s stint at Old Trafford.

MYLO BERNARD

Age: 16
Position: Striker
Signed from: Crystal Palace

Bernard has penned a pre-contract with Arsenal, joining as a first-year scholar ahead of signing professional terms when he turns 17 next year.

The highly-rated striker scored more than 40 GOALS for Palace’s academy teams last season, catching the eye of clubs across the country.

His performances also earned him a call-up to Palace’s Under-18s team, where he netted six times in the U18 Premier League despite his young age.

ANDRIA BARTISHVILI

Age: 17
Position: Winger/Attacking midfield
Signed from: Kolkheti 1913

Dubbed “the next Kvaratshkelia”, Bartishvili has been tipped for a huge future in his home country of Georgia.

The teenager will join Arsenal officially in July, after he turns 18.