TEAMS UPDATES Who is Bless Akolbire? Arsenal 16-year-old given huge Champions League chance by Mikel Arteta

Arsenal news – Mikel Arteta has given another new young star the chance to impress in training ahead of the Gunners Champions League return

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is building a young squad brimming with talent at Emirates Stadium and the latest starlet out of Hale End he has put faith in looks to have been revealed. Understandably, Bukayo Saka is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of young talent developed by the Gunners, while Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are not far behind with the duo also having prominent senior roles after coming through the academy.

The plans to integrate young stars into the senior team has also been reflected in transfer business with Arsenal signing two 24-year-olds in Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this past summer, alongside welcoming Jurrien Timber who is two years younger than the aforementioned duo.

David Raya was also acquired on a season-long loan and while he is much older at 27, goalkeepers tend to have their peak years in their late twenties which explains why this is another signing for the future. Experience is undoubtedly important and welcoming a player like Jorginho for example epitomises that, but the Gunners are certainly not afraid to trust the next generation in the now.

Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Amario Cozier-Duberry are names that Arsenal fans are beginning to become familiar with, while Charles Sagoe Jr made his first senior appearance in the Carabao Cup clash with Brentford last week. This further proves Arteta is not afraid to thrust young players into a senior environment with Bless Akolbire as the latest ace given the chance to impress.

In Arsenal training on Monday, the 16-year-old was spotted in the background of a picture that included the returning Thomas Partey, a player he will likely learn from him in the next few years. In a feature interview with Arsenal’s official website, the midfielder revealed his pathway into football began at the age six for his local team White Star Academy FC in Edmonton.

His inspiration to play football came about because of his older brother Lordon, who also played football. Colchester United took both siblings on in their early years with Akolbire playing for the under-10s. The duo both signed for the London club but Akolbire had to depart two years later as travelling from Tottenham became too difficult.