In Focus: Five young Guns looking to break through at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has not been shy when it comes to bringing in new faces since taking the reins at Arsenal in December 2019. 

The Gunners have spent plenty of money with the Spaniard at the helm but his starting XI is still a healthy blend of youth and experience.

Academy graduates Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah are familiar faces in the first team and the North Londoners continue to churn out homegrown talent. 

With the likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Cedric Soares in their prime, Arteta will already have one eye on the club's youth squads for the next generation of talent.

With the season set to resume on Boxing Day, we take a look at five future stars who could sport the famous red shirt.

Charlie Patino

One of Hale End's most exciting prospects is youngster Charlie Patino, who is currently on loan at Blackpool.

The central midfielder has already played for Arsenal's first team and even scored the final goal in a 5-1 win over Sunderland in last season's Carabao Cup.

Patino, 19, has provided two goals and two assists in 17 Championship appearances this term but his all-round qualities are what make him shine.

A left-footed maestro, the England Under-20s star is able to glide past opponents and beat the press.

His work ethic, drive and awareness on the pitch help him breed confidence — and he could become an excellent player for the Gunners with more experience under his belt. 

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Born in 2004, Brooke Norton-Cuffy is a highly-rated prospect who could provide competition for Ben White at right-back.

Currently on loan at Championship outfit Rotherham, the 18-year-old defender has been playing regular lower-league football for the past two seasons.

Norton-Cuffy was a part of England's European Under-19 Championship-winning side, subsequently earning himself a contract extension at Arsenal.

As a physical and direct runner, the Millers regular is a threat on the overlap and has the ability to whip in a dangerous cross or take on defenders.

He has much to improve on if he is to thrive in the Premier League but playing second-tier football at such a young age bodes well.

Miguel Azeez

Miguel Azeez made his Arsenal debut against Dundalk in the Europa League in December 2020 and has caught the eye with his dynamism from central areas.

The 20-year-old midfielder was on loan at Portsmouth last season but the Gunners recalled him due to a lack of playing time and he is now a part of Ibiza's squad in the Spanish second division. 

Azeez is currently featuring in a holding role but there are suggestions he could develop into the perfect No8 and eventually replace Partey.

He is able to withstand hard challenges from opponents and can play passes between the lines.

The England U-20s international shows great potential when it comes to reading the game and more work on his positioning and timing could see him become a real asset. 

Omar Rekik

Capped three times by Tunisia, Omar Rekik has already featured for a host of top clubs.

The centre-back, 21, had spells at Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV, Marseille and Hertha Berlin before signing for the Gunners in 2021.

He has experienced an Africa Cup of Nations tournament and his willingness to play a risky pass from defence is what separates him from his peers, with pace and agility also strong features of his game.

Rekik can slot in as a defensive midfielder if needed but his time on loan at Sparta Rotterdam this term has seen him deployed in a back four. 

However, Rekik has only seen 15 minutes of action in the Dutch top flight and is struggling to make the impact he will have hoped for.

Mika Biereth 

Mika Biereth came through the youth ranks at Fulham but snubbed a pro deal at Craven Cottage to sign for the Gunners in 2021. 

Prior to that move across London, the Danish striker netted 21 goals in 21 starts for the Cottagers in the Under-18 Premier League.

Now on loan at RKC Waalwijk, the 19-year-old starlet has scored twice in four appearances in the Eredivisie but has since picked up an unknown injury that has kept him out of action.

At 6ft 1in, Biereth is an outlier in what is becoming a world dominated by technical, agile forwards but he is still capable of getting in behind if needed.

Arsenal will hope he can follow in the footsteps of Nketiah and make an impact for the first team when he eventually gets his opportunity.