'Next generation': Mikel Arteta says there are three teenagers at Arsenal he already has a plan for

Arsenal didn’t need to get out of second gear to beat Coventry City on the opening day.

The Gunners made light work of Frank Lampard’s side, and they did so without a few of their big-name players on the pitch.

Bruno Guimaraes missed the game due to a groin issue, while William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were also unavailable.

Yet, Arsenal showed off their incredible depth, and Mikel Arteta hinted after the game that his side are ready for the future as well.

Mikel Arteta hints at Arsenal’s future midfield after beating Coventry City

Arsenal started the game against Coventry City with Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the middle of the park.

You would imagine that big-money summer signing Bruno Guimaraes will replace the teenager once he is fit, when Arteta decides to field his strongest line-up.

That midfield trio would be up there with the very best in world football, and Arsenal are well-placed to dominate games in the next few years.

But what happens in the medium and long term? Well, Arteta has a plan already.

The Arsenal manager hinted after the game that his future midfield will be a trio of Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.

He told Sky Sports when asked about signing two 28-year-old players in Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa: “Because we look at the squad as a whole, and in a defensive line, we have a really young defensive line.

“In midfield, we have a different profile, but as well, we have three players – Max, Ethan and Myles – we already have the next generation there ready for them.

“They (Guimaraes and Konsa) are 28, not 38, and they are at their prime, especially in the heart of the team, I think they’re going to give us so much in the next few years as well.”

Arsenal have another midfield gem in their academy for their future

The prospect of seeing Lewis-Skelly, Dowman and Nwaneri playing in midfield is mouthwatering, and if they fulfil their potential, they will help Arsenal create a dynasty.

All three teenagers are incredible talents and are destined to become superstars, but there is another young player in the academy who could challenge them in a few years.

Ife Ibrahim blew Arsenal fans away in pre-season, and many think he will become Arsenal’s number six in the coming years.

Having another incredible young prospect coming through on top of Dowman, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly is really exciting, and we can’t wait to see how their careers will evolve in the next five seasons.