Arteta calls teenage duo up to Arsenal training including 'impressive' speedster tipped by Jesus to break through in 24/25
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been putting his players through their paces ahead of their return to Premier League action against Bournemouth.
The Gunners have laid some great foundations in the first few months of the season as they remain unbeaten so far in the campaign.
Arsenal went into the October international break on the back of four wins in a row in all competitions, and they’re just one point off the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal, who currently sit third in the standings, are preparing to take on a Bournemouth side currently 13th in the table.
On Friday, the Gunners media team shared photos from their latest training session at London Colney ahead of Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off.
Several academy stars were spotted in action, including two teenage defenders who have been tipped for a bright future at the club.
The first player in question is Josh Robinson, who was pictured dispossessing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori on the London Colney pitch.
And the second player in question is Josh Nichols, who was pictured closing in on Gabriel Jesus and attempting to charge down his shot while Mikel Merino looked on.
Who is Arsenal academy player Josh Robinson?
Robinson is a 19-year-old defender who has been featuring prominently for Arsenal’s Under-21s.
He joined Arsenal in 2016 and signed his first professional contract at the club in 2023.
Robinson has seven appearances in youth competitions this season, registering two goals and one assist.
As per the Arsenal website, he is a ‘progressive defender’ who can operate both centrally and at right-back.
Meanwhile, Gunners youth expert Jeorge Bird has described Robinson as “strong physically” and “capable of producing accomplished performances”.
Arsenal Under-21 coach Mehmet Ali previously said Robinson boasts superb athleticism, a "unique" ability to get up and down the pitch, and "very good" one-v-one defending skills.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton makes bold Bournemouth v Arsenal result prediction
Who is Arsenal academy player Josh Nichols?
Meanwhile, Nichols is an 18-year-old defender who, like Robinson, is a regular in the Arsenal U21 setup.
He has five appearances to his name this season, including his debut senior outing in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.
The Arsenal website has described Nichols as a ‘flying full-back who can operate on the right or the left’.
Meanwhile, Bird has described him as a “hard-working” full-back and an “impressive reader of the game who has good pace”.
Back in August, Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus tipped Nichols to have his breakthrough campaign at the club this season.
