Arsène Wenger will take an almost full-strength Arsenal squad to Singapore for the Barclays Asia Trophy next week but the likely presence of the teenagers Daniel Crowley and Chris Willock is perhaps the most eye-catching detail.
Crowley, who turns 18 next month, enjoyed a fine season last time out with the club’s under-21s, which prompted Wenger to include him in some first-team training sessions. Technically gifted and with the ability to unlock defences, the attacking midfielder has been capped by England at under-16 and under-17 level.
Willock, 17, is the other academy player around whom there has built a buzz. The skilful forward has developed physically since he was thrust to prominence in pre-season of last year, when he started in the friendly against Boreham Wood and won the praise of Wenger. Also capped for England at under-16 and under-17 level, he will be hoping for an opportunity in Singapore.
Arsenal face a Singapore Select XI at the national stadium next Wednesday, on the same day that Everton and Stoke City meet. The winners of the ties will contest the trophy on Saturday week, while the losers enter a third-placed play-off.
Wenger’s squad leave this weekend, with the only confirmed senior absentees being Alexis Sánchez and David Ospina. They have been granted extended leave following their participation at the Copa América with Chile and Colombia respectively. Arsenal fans expect to see their first glimpse of Petr Cech, the £10m signing from Chelsea.
