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The newspapers have been packed full of rumours of a mass overhaul at the Emirates this week, which, despite some initial debate, has been taken with a pinch of salt by the majority of fans. However, with a number of exciting youngsters returning from loan spells and ready to make an assault on the Arsenal first-team, the speculation is somewhat warranted.

At times this season it’s been hard to see what Tomáš Rosický, Denílson, Sébastien Squillaci and arguably a couple more offer to the squad that Francis Coquelin, Henri Lansbury and Kyle Bartley can’t. All three players have had impressive loans this year and seem the most likely to compete for a first-team spot next season.

Lansbury has turned in some sterling performances and added vital goals to aid Norwich City’s push for automatic promotion, and Coquelin, despite not starting a game since his sending off in February, has racked up plenty of minutes to help Lorient maintain a mid table spot in Ligue One.

Bartley has gone from strength to strength during his spells with Sheffield United and then Rangers, with a particular highlight being his performance at Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League. Unfortunately for Kyle, his spell at Rangers was cut short due to injury, but the Englishman has surely done enough to convince Arsène Wenger that he has all the attributes to suit Premier League football next season.

With all three returning as better players, their prerogative now is to join last year’s loanee Jack Wilshere in not only the first team squad, but the starting eleven. Should that fail to materialise, Wenger runs the risk of losing some of his most prized young assets.

The two maybe men, Carlos Vela and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas have both shown potential when given a chance, but that is the problem; when. Emmanuel-Thomas’ inconsistency and Vela’s lack of opportunity have dealt them no favours, and they may have to settle for further time on loan, or a permanent move away.

The recent outlandish talk of Gael Clichy leaving in the summer has left to some talk about the returning duo of Armand Traoré and the ever improving Pedro Botelho. Juventus have already indicated they are not interested in signing Traoré, so an unhappy return to the reserves looks most likely, unless Arsenal can find a buyer. Botelho should offer competition to the injury prone Gibbs for the right to be Clichy’s understudy.

Elsewhere, Ryo Miyaichi has blossomed at Feyenoord and may be granted a work permit in the summer, only then will Arsenal decide on whether to send the impressive youngster out on loan for a following year or offer a first-team place. However, for other foreign loanees Samuel Galindo and Wellington, they have failed to gain much playing time, and a work permit seems a little far off at the moment, so further loan periods are expected in the near future.

After some encouraging displays at Huddersfield, it is likely Benik Afobe will also go back out on loan for a following season, to help the teenager gain further first team experience.

Unfortunately for Mark Randall, Craig Eastmond, Sanchez Watt and Gilles Sunu, it could be the end of their road with Arsenal, as they have all failed to make an impression at their clubs. The lucky few could be given a chance to prove themselves on loan again next season, but moving on to pastures new is their best option.

As Arsenal’s title challenge hangs in the balance, so does the future of several young Arsenal players who seem destined to leave this summer. Yet with the impending return of some of the most promising young players the club have had for a long time, perhaps the papers are not too far off in suggesting a summer clear out.

In a week which has seen the American influence on Arsenal grow ever stronger, the club are making their final preparations for their first visit to the US in the Arsène Wenger era.

The Gunners have accepted an invite to attend one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world, The Dallas Cup. Arsenal will be sending an Under 19 team out to compete in the competitions show piece, the Gordon Jago SuperGroup. They kick off against the Dallas Texans on Sunday, with further fixtures against Chorrillo FC and Club Bolivar set to provide interesting challenges.

Young Guns can confirm the travelling squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:
Emi Martínez, Sean McDermott.

Defenders:
Ignasi Miquel, Sead Hajrovic, Daniel Boateng, Elton Monterio, Martin Angha, George Brislen-Hall.

Midfielders:
Emmanuel Frimpong, Oğuzhan Özyakup, Jamie Edge, Conor Henderson, Kyle Ebecilio, Roarie Deacon, Samir Bihmoutine, Josh Rees, Callum Webb, Jordan Wynter, Alban Bunjaku.

Strikers:
Luke Freeman, Zak Ansah, Jeffrey Monakana.

Update: Aneke, Roberts, Meade and Neita all injured and replaced by Edge, Bunjaku, Bihmoutine and Monakana.

You can catch an exclusive interview with Dallas Cup Chief Executive Gordon Jago on Young Guns later this week.

Welcome to this weekends loanees watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela was an unused substitute for West Brom as they beat Sunderland 3-2.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was not included in the Cardiff City squad that beat Doncaster Rovers 3-1.

Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes as Norwich City lost 3-0 to Swansea City. Lansbury was restored to the midfield after being rested last week, and he came as close as anybody to scoring for Norwich. Henri’s second half shot looked dangerous, but it was deflected behind for a corner on a forgettable day for the Canaries.

Vito Mannone missed Hull City’s 2-1 win over Watford through injury.

Sanchez Watt was not included in the Leeds United squad that lost 3-2 to Millwall.

Craig Eastmond was not included in the Millwall squad that beat Leeds United 3-2.

Benik Afobe played the full 90 minutes as Huddersfield Town drew 1-1 with Peterborough United. Afobe had a handful of chances to score, including what would have been a wonder goal, after beating four players in a mazy run.

Mark Randall was not part Rotherham United squad that drew 1-1 with Cheltenham Town. Randall was in Reserve team action for Rotherham in midweek, playing in their clash with Rochdale.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes as Feyenoord beat Utrecht 4-0. Miyaichi  hit in the bar in the first half before providing an assist for the second goal, delivering a deep corner which Kelvin Leerdam crashed home. He then made a darting run to create space for Diego Biseswar’s third. The youngster played the whole game on the left of a front three.

Gilles Sunu came off the bench to play the final 28 minutes of Lorient’s 1-1 draw with Sochaux. Sunu made a notable impact after coming, setting up two chances. The first was wasted by Diarra, but the second was almost converted by Monnet-Paquet, but for a key block. Francis Coquelin was an unused substitute.

Armand Traoré played the full 90 minutes as Juventus beat Genoa 3-2. Traoré turned in a promising shift at left back, showing improved defensive awareness in what proved to be a tight affair.

Wellington Silva was not included the Levante squad that drew 1-1 with Racing Santander.

Pedro Botelho started and played 84 minutes before being sent off, as FC Cartagena lost 3-1 to Recreativo. The Brazilian was restored to left back for the fixture, but in a frustrating game, he was shown a straight red card for head butting an opponent in the closing stages

Samuel Galindo was an unused substitute as UD Salamanca drew 2-2 with Ponferradina

Welcome to another Young Guns web chat, hosted by me, editor Jamie Sanderson. You can put your questions to me over an hour long chat, beginning at 7pm UK time.

House Rules:
You can put your questions to me from 7pm UK time in an hour long chat. I will try to answer them all, as long as they haven’t already been asked, and as long as they’re submitted inside the deadline.

The web chat lasts 60 minutes, but due to the heavy number of questions submitted, all of them must be sent to me within 30 minutes of the start time. So if the chat starts at 7pm, all questions must be submitted by 7.30pm.

To ask a question, simply fill in the form at the bottom of the window once the chat has begun. The window has an auto-fresh function, so you don’t have to leave this page.

Arsenal have agreed to enter the inaugural Youth Champions League, Young Guns has exclusively learnt. The tournament, designed to run alongside the flagship UEFA Championship League, is due to kick off in August.

UEFA have been working with officials from Ajax, Celtic, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Sporting Lisbon to trial the idea, which is seen as an adventurous and exciting move for Under 18’s football. The final plans are yet to be confirmed, but Arsenal will make up one of the first groups, along with Ajax, Bayern Munich, Basel and an unconfirmed Scandinavian team.

In a similar way to its bigger brother, the Youth Champions League will open with a group stage, consisting of four teams per group. Qualification would then lead to progression to a knock out phase, scheduled for January 2012. The initial aims are for matches to be played in the club’s home stadiums, meaning Arsenal would be playing their fixtures at the Emirates. This is seen as a key way of helping clubs make up the costs of their European exploits.

The final details are still to be ironed out, but Young Guns expects Arsenal to make an announcement on the competition in the summer.

You can discuss Arsenal’s entry to the Youth Champions League and much more in a live web chat with editor Jamie Sanderson from 7pm UK time.

Arsenal midfielders Emmanuel Frimpong and Conor Henderson have made decisions on their international future, with both turning their back on England, despite representing the Young Lions’ youth sides.

Ghana-born Frimpong had played for England at both Under 16 and Under 17 level, before revealing last year that he always intended to represent the country of his birth. The 19-year-old has since refused to answer questions on why he turned out for England, but reaffirmed his desire to play for Ghana this week.

The Ghanian Federation have been tracking Emmanuel’s progress for a number of years, leading to regular contact with Chelsea’s Michael Essien, whilst recovering from anterior cruciate ligament damage earlier in the season. Essien has been key in convincing Frimpong to switch to the Black Stars, something he wants, telling Citi FM this week; ‘I will play for Ghana.’

Elsewhere, Conor Henderson has also confirmed he will continue to build on his blossoming international career with the Republic of Ireland. Henderson is currently part of the Under 21 setup, but, like Frimpong, played for England’s Under 16’s.

Conor is eligible to play for Ireland through both parents, and has been part of their youth teams since Under 17 level.

He may have been injured, but you can learn more on Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong in his ESPN Profile, with stats and a biography. Don’t forget, with soccer spread, its not how you win, its how you cover.

Arsenal have opened negotiations with Charlton Athletic over a compensation package for defender Carl Jenkinson. The 19-year-old has all but agreed terms on a contract, leaving only a fee left to be agreed.

Jenkinson turned down a new deal with The Addicks last month, following interest from West Ham, Fulham and crucially, Arsenal. The Finland Under 19 international is thought to be an avid Gooner, and rejected a new contract at The Valley to help seal a move to North London.

The only issue left to be resolved in compensation. As Jenkinson is under 24, Charlton are eligible for a training allowance, but as yet, the two clubs are yet to agree. Arsenal are keen to avoid going to a tribunal, so are willing to part with a fee of up to £1 million. Charlton value their player as upwards of £2 million.

The six foot one inch right back would go straight into Arsène Wenger’s first team, offering the Frenchman his mix of power, pace, and good ability to cross with either foot. However, many in Charlton’s Academy believe Carl’s future is as a centre back.

More to follow.

Arsenal play their final home game of the Premier Reserve League season against Sunderland tomorrow evening, and while the title looks all but out of reach, Neil Banfield will be able to call on some experienced heads for the fixture.

Jens Lehmann will make his second consecutive appearance for the second string, as he continues to build up his fitness. The German played the full 90 minutes against Wigan Athletic last time out, although endured an error riddled return to action. Jérémie Aliadière is also set to continue, while Emmanuel Frimpong has been penciled in to make his long awaited return from anterior cruciate ligament damage.

Banfield will also be able to call upon Oğuzhan Özyakup, who returns after international duty. The Dutch Under 19 midfielder could be making his last appearance in the Red and White, as talks over a new contract have stalled. Oğuzhan’s current deal expires in July.

Kick off at Underhill is at 7pm. You can follow live text updates on our Twitter feed.

Welcome to this weekends loanees watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela was an unused substitute as West Brom beat Liverpool 2-1.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came off the bench to play the final 14 minutes of Cardiff City’s 4-1 win over Derby County. Emmanuel-Thomas could have scored a late fifth, but Liverpool loanee Brad Jones made a text book save to deny the powerful front man.

Henri Lansbury came off the bench to play the final 36 minutes of Norwich City’s 6-0 win over Scunthorpe United. Lansbury was rested after picking up an injury on England Under 21 duty last week, but assisted Norwich’s fifth goal for Simeon Jackson.

Sanchez Watt was an unused substitute as Leeds United beat Nottingham Forest 4-1 at Elland Road.

Vito Mannone missed Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Millwall through injury.

Craig Eastmond came off the bench to play the final three minutes as Millwall beat Hull City 1-0. Eastmond replaced Tottenham loanee Andros Townsend in the closing stages, as the Lions looked to secure the victory.

Benik Afobe started and played 82 minutes for Huddersfield Town against Tranmere Rovers. Afobe looked dangerous all game, and opened the scoring in the 39th minute, finishing from close range after a goal mouth scramble. Benik then performed one his now infamous celebration dances.

Mark Randall was not included in the Rotherham United squad that lost 1-0 to Morecombe.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes as Feyenoord lost 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar. The winger struggled to get involved on the left of a front three, but had more luck when switching to the right, following a red card to Gill Swerts. However, he failed to make a significant impact on a difficult evening for Feyenoord.

Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 12 minutes of Lorient’s 0-0 draw with PSG. Coquelin replaced forward Kevin Monnet-Paquet in the closing stages. Gilles Sunu played 37 minutes, also as a substitute.

Armand Traoré is expected to be on the bench for Juventus’ clash with Roma later.

Wellington Silva was an unused substitute as Levante beat Málaga 3-1.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena lost 2-1 to Granada CF. The Brazilian played the whole game on the left of a front three, and despite conceding two goals in two minutes, Cartagena hit back when Toni Moral turned in Botelho’s cross.

Samuel Galindo started and played 45 minutes as Salamanca lost 1-0 to Albacete. Galindo started in central midfield but was replaced at half time, with blood pouring from a head wound, after receiving an elbow to the face. The defeat means Salamanca are all but certain to be relegated.