Arsenal are keen to build a roster that can contend for the Premier League title in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Gunners finished in the second spot for three consecutive campaigns therefore, Mikel Arteta is desperate to build a roster that can help them fight in all competitions.
While transfers are the primary avenue of strengthening the roster, clubs often resort to their academy to unearth new talent.
In the last couple of seasons, Arsenal also promoted some of their academy players, who have made a major impact for the club.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are the two standout stars to rise from the Arsenal academy to the senior team.
Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri played big roles in helping Arsenal finish second in the league and also in their Champions League push as they reached the semifinals.
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The academy duo, along with other academy stars, will get an opportunity to impress Arteta during Arsenal’s preseason camp in Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Sporting News takes a look at four Arsenal players who could shine in the preseason fixtures building up to the 2025/26 season.
Marli Salmon
One of the brightest defensive talents in the Arsenal academy, Marli Salmon, could be the next star to get a senior team call-up.
The 15-year-old centre-back has similarities with William Saliba and could well be the backup defender that Arteta is looking for if they miss out on Cristhian Mosquera.
He was a standout player for the Arsenal U18s and was exceptional in helping the Gunners reach the FA Youth Cup semifinal.
Looking at Arsenal’s depth in defence, it looks difficult for Salmon to break out into the first team this season, but considering the injury concerns, there could be an opportunity lingering in the horizon.
Ethan Nwaneri
One of the star performers to come out of the Arsenal academy, Ethan Nwaneri, has lived up to the expectations with his performances in the 2024/25 campaign.
The 18-year-old slotted in as Bukayo Saka’s injury replacement and delivered some exceptional performances, netting nine goals in 37 matches across competitions.
Nwaneri was also a part of the England U21 team that won the European Championships in Slovakia.
He is currently in talks with the Gunners to extend his stay in North London and would be desperate to prove his mettle again in the preseason fixtures.
Max Dowman
The youngster player in this list, but the one with the highest ceilings, Max Dowman, has joined the first team training following his exceptional performances at the youth level.
Dowman provided four assists in Arsenal U18’s 5-2 win over Everton, which saw coach Jack Wilshere urge the club to fast-track his development.
There are already reports that he has impressed Arsenal coaches and Arteta and could be in the first team for the upcoming season.
The 15-year-old midfielder netted 19 goals and provided five assists in 23 games across competitions for Arsenal’s youth teams last season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly is probably the most developed academy graduate currently at the Emirates.
Predominantly a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly quickly adjusted to Arteta’s requirement at left-back and had a phenomenal season in an uncharacteristic position.
The youngster’s rapid rise at Arsenal was also rewarded when he earned his England debut under Thomas Tuchel and scored in his first match against Albania.
At 18 years and 176 days old, Lewis-Skelly became the youngest England player to score on senior debut.
He has recently signed a long-term contract with the Gunners and is destined to be a standout player for Arteta in the upcoming campaigns.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 preseason schedule
The Gunners are not participating in the ongoing Club World Cup, which allowed their players to get adequate rest throughout the summer break.
Arsenal had an optional training camp in Marbella, Spain, as demanded by the players, as it is impossible to start a long season immediately after returning from holidays.
The North Londoners will embark on a preseason tour in Asia as their first friendly is scheduled on July 23 against AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium.
They will also lock horns against Newcastle United in the subsequent fixture, followed by a couple of games in Hong Kong against Tottenham and Villarreal.
| Opponent | Date | Venue |
| AC Milan | 23 July, 2025 | Singapore National Stadium |
| Newcastle United | 27 July, 2025 | Singapore National Stadium |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 31 July, 2025 | Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong) |
| Villarreal | 6 August, 2025 | Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong) |
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