Where Are They Now? (Part One)

Player Development and Talent Scouting are tricky things, some players look like world beaters at Academy level but take longer to realise that potential, others fade slightly in the spotlight and have steady careers under the radar. So here is a trip down memory lane to take a brief look at several players that have played in our Academy in the last decade that were once revered for their intriguing potential. We'll delve deep into their careers and see how they faired once they left the gates of London Colney.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

'JET' had huge potential during his time with Arsenal, notably as a highly impactful figure in the 08/09 Youth Cup winning team. He also managed 5 senior appearances for the club, with one coming as a substitute in the Premier League. Wenger was a fan the his versatility but injuries and timing meant that his chances were limited. He left Arsenal for Ipswich Town in 2011 but it wasn't till he joined Bristol City 2 years later that he began to really showcase his ability, playing in a more forward role he scored 33 goals in 2 seasons for The Robins. This earned him a move to QPR, however he struggled with form and spent further periods on loan to MK Dons and Gillingham as a result. In 2019 the London born player made the trip to play in Thailand with PTT Rayong, he played there for 6 months but is now currently without a club at 29 years old. A player with clear ability but consistency has always been his Achilles heel.

Chuba Akpom 

Akpom was a favourite of many during his time in the Academy, scoring goals for fun, it seemed only a matter of time before he was to replicate that form in Senior football. Playing 4 times for Arsenal he came very close to scoring in a few of those occasions. He had a number of loan spells during his time with the gunners, some more fruitful then others, but it just wouldn't come together for him at the Emirates. He left Arsenal for good in 2018 to PAOK in Greece. Playing as a winger he became an instant hit with the Greek fans and scored crucial goals to help them secure their first league title in 34 years. Akpom continued this form and also represented the club in Champions League. A host of English clubs were keen on bringing him back to England but it appears Besiktas have agreed a fee for his services, his career continues to grow.

Chuks Aneke

Aneke at academy level was a strong and technical player that was once courted by Barcelona. Despite making his League Cup debut and having some positive loan spells he was let go in 2014. Initially the Londoner made the brave move to play in Belgium with Zulte Waregem, he played two seasons abroad before making his return to England to play with MK Dons. Aneke had some good years in Milton Keynes helping them win promotion to League One in 2019 scoring 19 goals along the way. This earned him a move to Lee Bowyers Charlton in the Championship where unfortunately their season ended in relegation, Chuks will no doubt be a part of the push for promotion next season.

Fran Merida

The Spaniard was a playmaker filled with ability and promise in his time at Arsenal, Merida made 16 appearances in total even scoring twice. After leaving Barcelona for Arsenal the weight of pressure to follow the success of Fabregas possibly weighed heavy for Merida, he struggled for consistency and his time in North London ended in 2010. Merida landed nicely on his feet at Atletico Madrid and represented them in the Champions League, however he struggled to break into the first 11 and left in 2012 for Hercules. Apart from a quick stop in Brazil, Merida has had a solid career in Spain and settled at Osasuna in 2016 where he has been ever since playing well over 100 games for them. This summer his contract came to an end and the 30 year old will be looking for his next challenge.

Marcus McGuane

In 2018 Mcguane shocked Arsenal fans around the world by signing for Barcelona. The young Londoner had been a standout in the Academy, having captained the U18s and impressed in his time with the U23s. The midfielder had also hit the radar of Arsene Wenger coming off the bench to make his debut in a Europa League game in 2017. Barca made their move in January of 2018 and he was immediately assigned to their B team. Marcus made a number of appearances and trained with Messi and company on occasions, but the highlight came in March 2018 when he came off the bench in the Catalan Super Cup Final to be the first Englishman to represent Barca in 29 years since Gary Lineker. After some time Marcus began to lose his way in Spain and in 2019 he was re-united with former Arsenal Academy Head Andries Jonker at Telstar in the Dutch second tier, the re-union reignited Mcguane and his performances earned him a move to Nottingham Forest in February 2020. He will look to break into their first team in the coming season.

Glen Kamara

Kamara didn't spend too long in Hale End or Colney but he was part of the infamous horror show that was Sheffield Wednesday away in the Cup, a 3-0 loss and a dark day for Arsenal. The Finnish midfielder never recovered his gunners career but he took a chance in Scotland with Dundee in 2017. Kamara was an instant success and his all action performances convinced Steven Gerrard to sign him for Rangers. Glen became a revelation at Ibrox and is considered one of the first names on the teamsheet. Recent reports have linked him with an £8m move to Marseille. It will definitely be a struggle to keep him in Glasgow, his progress since leaving North London has been rapid.

Julio Pleguzuelo

The player affectionally known as 'Pleggy' had been a favourite of many who followed his progress. Arriving in 2013 from Barcelona, the Spaniard was an intelligent defender with real leadership qualities and there was real hope from the Arsenal camp that he could translate this to Senior football. After some loan moves back in Spain, Julio made one last push at Arsenal in 2018 and gave some assured performances in the U23s which finally led to his Arsenal debut in League Cup against Blackpool. This performance renewed hope that he had something to offer Arsenal but it wasn't meant to be and he Joined FC Twente in 2019. The Spaniard has had an good season in the Eredivisie playing at Right Back and Centre Back, helping a struggling FC Twente avoid relegation. At 23 years old his best years remain in front of him and his career will likely continue to progress upwards.

Where Are They Now(Part Two) will be coming towards the end of 2020

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