Jack Wilshere backs Chris Willock and Jeff Reine-Adelaide to have breakthrough season at Arsenal

Arsenal star Jack Wilshere believes two academy players – Chris Willock and Jeff Reine-Adelaide – are ready to be a regular in the Gunners' first team. The England international backed the duo and said they were ready to take the next step in their career.

Willock is a talented winger and Reine-Adelaide is a midfielder, who joined the north London club from Lens last summer. The England international suggested Arsene Wenger to include Arsenal's academy duo in the first team squad for the 2016/17 campaign.

"I've played with Chris for a few years in training and last year he came on. I think he has improved, he has become stronger and he is one of those players that have a natural ability running with the ball," Wilsher told Arsenal's official website.

"He can take contact well if someone smashes into him. He has got great balance... if Chris gets his chance I'm sure he will take it."

On Reine-Adelaide, the England international said: "I think one thing that strikes everyone [about Jeff] is his confidence."

"Last year when he played in the Emirates Cup, he was only 17 years old and he wasn't afraid to get the ball down take players on and play. I think the year in the under-21s has really helped him and he is ready to make that step up."

The Gunners have made only three signings in the summer transfer window. The list includes the likes of midfielder Granit Xhaka and defender Rob Holding, both of whom started in the club's 4-3 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates. Wenger has been subjected to heavy criticism from a section of fans and pundits for his failure to complete signings before the start of the season.

Willock was an unused substitute in Arsenal's FA Cup clash against Hull City last term. Reine-Adelaide, on the other hand has featured in the FA Cup for Arsenal and is now hoping to make his Premier Leeague debut this season.