Arsenal announce 13 new first year scholars, including youngsters killing it in pre-season

Arsenal have shown great intent to keep the best players in the academy this summer.

They have handed professional contracts to left-back Cam’ron Ismail and midfielder Louie Copley.

The north London side have now handed 13 youngsters scholarship contracts, which was marked by a ceremony held at the Emirates Stadium.

Academy Manager Per Mertesacker, Head of Player Care Mark Walter, and under-18s Head Coach Adam Birchall were also present at the ceremony.

Names and profiles of Arsenal’s new scholars

Maalik Ashi

The 16-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal in 2022 but only debuted for the U18s and the U21s last season.

He has been impressive in pre-season, scoring in the 2-2 draw with Boreham Wood last Saturday and the defeat to St Albans yesterday.

Marli Salman

Salman joined as a U11 player. The centre-back made five appearances in the U18 Premier League and five in the Premier League 2 last season.

Teshaun Murisa

The young midfielder joined Arsenal in 2015 and was regular for the U18s last season.

He is ‘an Arsenal fan’ and has been impressed with how senior midfielder Declan Rice ‘manages himself and looks out for the younger academy players’.

Jack Talbot

The 16-year-old goalkeeper joined the Gunners in May 2015 and debuted for the U18s in the last campaign. He is ‘comfortable with the ball at his feet’ and has superb reactions.

Patrick Stachow

The left-sided centre-back moved to the north London side in 2023 and has been called up to England and Poland U16s.

Joshua Tahou

A left-back, Tahou moved to the club in June 2023. He made his debut for the U18s in the FA Youth Cup encounter with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium last season.

Abraham Owusu-Gyasi

Owusu-Gyasi is a versatile defender and has been with the club for five years. He describes himself as ‘a leader on the pitch’.

Josiah King

The explosive full-back debuted for the U18s in the last campaign. He has the knack for providing goals and assists and is hoping to cement his place in the side next season.

Saurap Sampang

Sampang is a box-to-box midfielder, aspiring to be like Declan Rice. He joined Arsenal at the U8 level and was part of the Gunners’ team that won the U16 Premier League last season.

Bowen Phillips

The young attacking midfielder moved to Arsenal from London rivals West Ham United in 2023. He won the U16 Premier League and hopes to debut in the U18s next season.

Brando Bailey-Joseph

An England youth international, the left winger has been with the north London outfit since he was six. He featured in the UEFA Youth League clah against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2024/25.

Marley Frohock

The 16-year-old striker joined Arsenal following a successful trial. He looks up to Kai Havertz due to his hold up play and his elegance on the pitch. He ‘aims to be a starter for the U18s next season’.

Callan Hamill

The talented right-back joined Arsenal from Scottish outfit St Johnstone this summer. He has played with the Scotland U15s and been with the U17s.

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