There has been an influx of schoolboys into the Arsenal U18 setup in recent weeks, especially with regards to the goalkeeping department.
Following the decision to release Noah Cooper at the end of the season and with Alexei Rojas looking to become more involved with the U21s, Jack Wilshere has turned to a talented trio of U16 goalkeepers for the U18s of late.
Jack Porter was the first to be given his opportunity as he featured against Fulham and Crystal Palace, giving a good account of himself.
Khari Ranson then featured in another fixture against Fulham before Owen Asemota was given his debut against West Bromwich Albion, a game in which he made a spectacular penalty save.
It seems likely that Wilshere will alternate between the three U16 goalkeepers for the remainder of the campaign and it will be intriguing to see which of them emerges as the leading candidate to be first choice next season.
As reported by All Nigeria Soccer, Asemota has been offered a scholarship contract by Arsenal but has also attracted interest from elsewhere.
Porter and Ranson have both often trained with the U18 squad, with the former having done so prior to matches in the run to the FA Youth Cup final last season.
There is little to choose between the three prospects – they have all been capped by England at U16 level and also have impressive distribution.
After some difficulties at times this season, this appears to be an exciting period for the U18s, with other schoolboys such as Chido Obi-Martin, Max Dowman and Theo Julienne stepping up to make an impact.
