Date: 4th May 2016 at 7:18pm
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We’re approaching the end of what has been a rollercoaster season for Arsenal, which ultimately ended up in disappointment for the Gunners as the squad failed to add to two consecutive FA Cup honours with further trophies.

Whilst Arsenal will dust themselves off ahead of what’s set to be an extremely competitive 2016/17 season, where the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool should return to their best to compete with Manchester City, Tottenham, ourselves, Leicester and West Ham, there’s still plenty of football to keep us occupied during the summer.

The highlight of the close season is undoubtably the European Championships in France, where England have a talented squad and are expected to do well, but there’s also the Copa America, where Alexis Sanchez’ Chile will look to retain their crown, and the small matter of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Football at the Olympics may not be as big as an occasion, it’s a chance to see some of the most exciting up-and-coming players from around the world, so we asked @DanGaleaStJohn to select what an Arsenal Olympics XI would look like.

Rules of the tournament mean the squad must consist of players under the age of 23, plus three selections that can be older, and the Gunners squad looks very strong with the three additional players all under the age of 25!

GK: Matt Macey (21)

Arsenal do have a few young players in the team, but their goalkeepers aren’t really that young. Cech is 33, Ospina is 27 and Szczesny is 26. That would leave Matt Macey, a towering two metre goalkeeper who, in fairness, I have not yet seen play. He’s one for the future.

RB: Hector Bellerin (21)

One of Arsenal’s brightest prospects. The marauding right back is probably the fastest player in the league, and was recently voted into the team of the year. Bellerin’s defensive and attacking abilities make him one of the best right backs at the moment.

CB: Calum Chambers (21)

Chambers’ season was quiet, with very little involvement. He should probably go out on loan next season if he wants to continue to hone his abilities. He featured last night in the U21 play-off semi-final and put in a very good shift at the heart of the defence. He can also play as a right back, and as a central defensive midfielder.

CB: Isaac Hayden (21)

Hayden spent this season on loan to Hull, and looks to be another exciting prospect. Tall, strong, and capable of playing in midfield, too. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him slowly integrated into the first team next season.

LB: Julio Pleguezuelo (19)

Captain of the U21s, Pleguezuelo is another exciting prospect coming from Barcelona. I don’t know too much about this player, but he is definitely one to watch for the future

CDM: Francis Coquelin (24)

The oldest one on this team, but he still makes the cut. There isn’t much to be said: on his day, Coquelin can be one of the best centre defensive midfielders in the league; it’s a pity he doesn’t have any goals to his name yet.

CM: Mohamed Elneny (23)

The Egyptian midfielder signed this season and has been one of Arsenal’s brightest sparks in an otherwise insipid end to the season. With rumours of a new midfielder set to join I would wonder what Elneny’s role next season will be, but he is definitely a big asset in the team.

CAM: Jack Wilshere (24)

It still feels like he’s 16! Injuries have really plagued his career, but now that he’s back then hopefully he can last the whole (or most of) next season, because he is a really special player. He would be the captain of this XI. His passion, grit, determination and talent are there for all to see.

LW: Alex Iwobi (20)

He has really flourished this year, broke into the first team, and has started the last few games, scoring a couple of goals and getting a couple of assets. Hopefully, he will continue his rise next season.

RW: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (22)

Everyone is still waiting for him to fulfil his potential. I feel that he has tonnes of potential, but his confidence is a major obstacle in his growth. On his day, he is a pacy, strong player who can waltz around half a team. He needs to worry about his finishing and final ball, however.

ST: Chuba Akpom (20)

I could have included Welbeck, who is 25, but I decided to included Akpom instead. Currently on loan with Hull, who are fighting promotion, the England U21 striker has bags of potential and I can’t wait to see him in the first team. He featured lightly last season, winning a penalty in the 5-0 mauling of Aston Villa.

 

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