Arsenal: Arsene Wenger names trio closest to joining first-team after Alex Iwobi's emergence

Arsene Wenger has identified some possible additions to the Arsenal first-team from the academy after Alex Iwobi's breakthrough season at the club. The young Nigerian attacker forced his way into the manager's plans with some impressive performances for the U21 side last season and for the senior squad during the pre-season Emirates Cup.

The 19-year-old versatile forward, who can play all across the front three or as an attacking midfielder, made his debut in the club's 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup in October last yea. Since then he has made 14 appearances in the FA Cup, Champions League and the Premier League. Iwobi's has been impressive in the last month beginning with his performance against Barcelona in the second-leg of the last-16 tie at the Camp Nou, following which he has started the last two Premier League wins against Everton and Watford scoring a goal each in both the games.

Iwobi has been impressive in the last month beginning with his performance against Barcelona in the second leg of the last-16 tie at Camp Nou. Following that he has started the last two Premier League wins against Everton and Watford scoring a goal each in both the games.

Wenger has showered praise on the youngster for his performances, and according to the Mirror, he has been handed a lucrative new deal with the club until at least the summer of 2021. The French coach has been known to give young players the opportunity with Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere and most recently Hector Bellerin getting a run with the first-team.

In the last couple of seasons, the north London club have been focusing on recruiting and developing the best young talent, and the manager believes there is a good crop of youngsters who will form the core of the club in the future.

"We have many players with big quality. The guys that are with me now, like Chris Willock, who is very impressive. Jeff Reine-Adelaide is with us on a daily basis, Reiss Nelson is with us also," Wenger was quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.

"We have a few players, and behind the team is a core of six or seven players, I won't name them all now, but are a guarantee for the future of Arsenal Football Club," the 65-year-old Gunners boss added.