10 Youth Prospects Who Could Change Arsenal's Future

by David Fribbins

1. Gedion Zelalem

When Ivan Gazidis announced that Arsenal wouldn't be making any emotional decisions in the transfer market, every Arsenal fan knew what to expect: they recognised that though the money was available to sign him, but that Fabregas would't be returning. Crucially though, they didn't know why.

But then Arsene Wenger explained on French TV that the reason he passed up the opportunity to bring his ex-talismanic leader on the pitch back into the fold, and Arsenal fans had a reason to get excited again:

"Why didn't I sign Fabregas? Well all I can tell you is remember the name Gedion Zelalem."

It is rare, but throughout sporting history there are moments when the words of special men carry with them a potency and weight that transcends the sea of empty talk. This is one such instance. Gedion Zelalem is one of the special ones; more special than a Cesc Fabregas in his prime.

The folklore tale goes that after a few minutes of watching Zelalem during a trial, Wenger turned to his father and said, "your son will play for Arsenal". And he didn't lie, as last year Zelalem appeared throughout the pre-season tour and had his first team debut in the FA Cup win over Coventry.

Described as a puppet master in the centre of the park, Zelalem is excellent on the ball, with a mesmeric weight of pass and close control allowing him to dribble past players with ease and the ability to unlock an entire team with one brush stroke of his foot. Jack Wilshere describes him as 'a nightmare' to play against and this could be his year to feature.

Wenger clearly has big plans for the youngster and, with a little (or a lot of) physical development over the pre-season we could be seeing him show his mettle on the pitch, and fulfil the weighty words spoken of him by Arsene Wenger.

So there you have it - the ten top prospects in Arsenal's academy who will shape the future of the club. Are there any players you would add or take off of the list? Leave your views in the comments section below.

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I have been described as a sportsman with the brain of an athlete and the body of a scientist. Since it was established that playing wouldn't work out for me I have taken to writing.