Arsenal have officially submitted their 25-man squad list for the 2025/26 Premier League season, confirming the players who will represent the club in what promises to be another thrilling campaign under Mikel Arteta. The announcement has been met with huge interest from fans eager to see which names made the cut, and how the balance between experience and youth has been managed within the team.

The 25-man list reflects the strength and depth of Arsenal’s current setup, while also highlighting the club’s long-term strategy of blending established stars with exciting young talent. However, not all of the names that Arsenal supporters have been discussing in recent months are included in the official senior squad list — and that’s where the under-21 registration comes into play.

Under-21 Talent Boosts the Options

Three of the most exciting young players at the Emirates — Myles Lewis-Skelly, Cristhian Mosquera, and Ethan Nwaneri — have not been included in the official 25-man group. Instead, they have been registered as under-21 players, which is a huge advantage for the club. According to Premier League rules, players under the age of 21 do not need to take up a spot in the official squad list but are still eligible to play in matches throughout the season.

For Arsenal, this provides greater flexibility. It means Arteta will still be able to call on the likes of Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and Mosquera without compromising space for senior professionals in the registered squad. In essence, the club has maximized its options: protecting spots for experienced campaigners while also ensuring its brightest prospects remain available to contribute when needed.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Midfield Energy

Lewis-Skelly has been tipped for a breakthrough season after impressing consistently at academy and youth levels. The versatile midfielder offers energy, vision, and tactical intelligence beyond his years. Being registered as an under-21 player is a reflection of both his age and his rising importance — he is expected to gain more first-team exposure as the season progresses.

Cristhian Mosquera: Defensive Depth

Mosquera’s inclusion as an under-21 option strengthens Arsenal’s defensive depth significantly. The young centre-back is seen as a long-term investment, but his composure, physicality, and ability to read the game make him a realistic candidate for first-team minutes. With the Premier League season long and demanding, Arteta could turn to him during key fixtures, especially if injuries strike.

Ethan Nwaneri: The Teenage Starlet

Perhaps the most talked-about of the three is Ethan Nwaneri. The teenage sensation already made history by becoming the youngest-ever Premier League player, and his continued progression has kept excitement levels high among the fanbase. Arsenal’s decision to register him as an under-21 player ensures he remains eligible without restriction, giving Arteta the chance to integrate him further into the senior setup when opportunities arise.

Strategic Planning from Arsenal

By utilizing the under-21 rule, Arsenal’s squad management strategy becomes clear. The club is ensuring that senior professionals form the backbone of the campaign, but at the same time, they are leaving the door open for youth to shine. This not only helps balance immediate competitive goals but also aligns with the long-term vision of building a team capable of sustainable success.

Looking Ahead

Arsenal supporters will be encouraged by the balance Arteta and his staff have struck with this official squad announcement. The mixture of international stars, Premier League veterans, and academy graduates demonstrates both ambition and trust in youth development.

As the season unfolds, the registered 25-man squad will shoulder the main responsibility, but the exciting possibility of under-21 stars stepping into the spotlight adds another layer of intrigue to Arsenal’s campaign. For Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, and Nwaneri, the stage is set — and it could be just the beginning of a defining chapter in their young careers.