There has been much discussion about the youngsters that made an impact against Boreham Wood but the absence of some key individuals from the matchday squad is also of considerable significance.

Marli Salmon didn’t feature but it is anticipated that the 16-year-old will be involved with the first-team in some capacity during pre-season.

Ismeal Kabia has been training with Arsenal U21s since returning from his successful loan spell at Shrewsbury but the fact that he wasn’t involved against Boreham Wood could indicate that another move may be on the horizon.

Given that he is mainly a winger but can also play at right-back, Kabia could be considered as an option for the first-team in pre-season.

However, it would be somewhat surprising if the 20-year-old was still at the club when the transfer window closes. It remains to be seen whether a departure for Kabia could be a permanent switch or another loan move.

Defender Jaden Dixon also didn’t play against Boreham Wood despite now being back in training having missed the end of last season due to injury.

Dixon, 19, can play at centre-back or right-back and has primarily been used in the latter position since joining Arsenal from Stoke midway through last season.

It has now emerged, via Standard Sport, that West Ham are interested in a loan move for Dixon.

Dixon already possesses some experience of playing in the Championship for Stoke, having made two league appearances in the 2024/25 season.

A loan may be the best option for his development as if he remained at Arsenal it seems likely that he would only be afforded sporadic first-team appearances in domestic cup competitions.

Lucas Nygaard was also absent against Boreham Wood, although this was less surprising.

The goalkeeper, 20, recently returned from a loan spell at Brabrand but could be a candidate for another temporary move.

Arsenal can already call upon two talented goalkeepers in their U21 squad in Khari Ranson and Jack Porter, with Remy Mitchell also at the club.

Winger Archie Stevens, meanwhile, captained the team for the final half an hour against Boreham Wood.

At the age of 20, Stevens, who joined Arsenal last year, is one of the older players in the academy setup but there has been no indication so far of a potential move.

Midfielder Louie Copley wore the armband for the first hour having returned from his loan spell at Crawley.

The 19-year-old could potentially be loaned out again if a suitable approach is made later in the transfer window.

Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth

Message History

Delivery option(s)